Cortisone Injection Experience
On Monday, I received a cortisone injection in my right knee. My previous injection occurred in January, but I began to feel the pain return. Is it typical to experience soreness four days afterward? It’s not particularly painful unless I move incorrectly. There’s no swelling or redness present, yet I battle severe health anxiety, which leads me to worry that it might be infected, even though it's likely not. I just can’t quite recall the symptoms I experienced during my last treatment.
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 2:24:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after receiving a cortisone injection, especially given your previous experience and your concern about potential infection. Soreness at the injection site for a few days following the procedure is relatively common and can occur as your body responds to the injection.
Explanation:
Cortisone injections are utilized to reduce inflammation and pain in joints. After the injection, it’s normal to feel some soreness, especially in the first few days. This soreness can occur as a result of the injection itself or as your body begins to adjust. Since you mentioned no swelling or redness, that’s a positive sign and suggests that an infection is unlikely.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your knee over the next few days. Look for worsening pain, increased swelling, warmth, redness, or fever, which could indicate a problem. However, as you don’t currently have those symptoms, it’s a good sign.
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Manage Pain: If you experience discomfort, consider using an ice pack on the knee for 15-20 minutes at a time, a few times a day. It can help alleviate soreness.
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Gentle Movement: Continue to gently move your knee through its range of motion without forcing it. Avoid any activities that cause sharp pain. Gradual movement promotes healing and can prevent stiffness.
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Stay Calm and Focused: Acknowledge your health anxiety but try to engage in calming activities such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or talking to someone supportive when you feel overwhelmed.
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Document Your Experience: Keep a simple log of your knee’s response to the injection, noting how you feel each day. This might help you identify patterns and trigger points related to your anxiety.
If the soreness continues for more than a week or your anxiety about the situation intensifies, it might be worth reaching out for further guidance on managing both your knee and your anxiety. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way, and it's okay to seek support when needed.
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