Steroid injections are long-lasting solutions to chronic pain from neuropathy or other conditions that have resulted in damaged nerves. This non-surgical procedure is available for a number of types of pain from headaches, backaches, hip pains, and many more! The procedure is short, taking only about 30 minutes to do. Generally, patients do not have to do much in terms of after care, but the pain experts from Tulsa Pain say that patients should follow these instructions.
1. Rest Up!
Our physicians recommend resting for at least 24 hours after getting home as the anesthesia wears off and the body starts to heal after the injection. While some people experience relief right away, the full effects of the injection may not be noticeable for 1-3 days after the procedure. If patients feel pain at the injection site during this time, we recommend using an ice pack or taking pain medication until it subsides. We also encourage patients to rest so they can look out for any signs of infection. If patients notice pain and swelling that lasts several days, please call our office.
2. Stretch your Legs
Patients may not feel total pain relief since the injection only treats the pain, not the underlying condition. However, patients widely report that their pain goes down significantly. Our physicians recommend slowly trying the things you used to be able to do and to begin testing the new limits. For example, patients should not go straight to lifting heavy objects, they should ease into the activity to see where their new threshold of pain is. Stretch your legs and test the waters! Many patients find that they are able to go back to many of the activities they used to love!
3. Exercise
Patients with chronic pain from neuropathic disorders may have found it near impossible to get out and exercise, even though it has proven to be significantly beneficial. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the damaged nerves and stimulate blood flow to the area. But with pain and pain medication side effects like drowsiness and sluggishness, exercise isn’t always an easy task. However, a steroid injection may eliminate the need to take these pain medications. With less pain, patients can into an exercise routine and begin building up strength and stamina. Steroid injections typically only provide relief for a few months, so using this time to build up a fit body can help relieve pain in the long term.
Tulsa Pain is a pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or click here to Request an Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
