If you are unsure whether an injection is right for you, we are happy to organise a complimentary phone call with one of our clinicians – Click here to book now
Steroid injections are commonly used to settle pain and inflammation from injured joints and soft tissues. The vast majority of patients who have a steroid injection respond very well with no post-injection issues.
There are a few discussion points to consider if you plan to drive to and from your appointment on the day of your steroid injection;
Post injection steroid flare
After undertaking a steroid injection, you may experience a period of increased pain. This is called a post-injection steroid flare. A steroid flare has been defined as an increase in pain by 2 points on a 10-point scale. Rarely this may raise to 4 points on a 10-point scale. Research has shown that 80% of patients do not get a post-injection flare.
A steroid flare causes transient pain and should not concern you. It typically lasts between 2 and 5 days and is a common side effect of injection. Post-injection steroid flare settles by itself but if you experience this side effect paracetamol and an ice pack can help relieve symptoms. If it does occur it normally starts 12 to 24 hours after the injection, so is unlikely to affect your journey home. We also use a local anaesthetic during the injection procedure which lasts for approximately 1-2 hours. The anaesthetic will wear off once you are home, again making it unlikely to affect your journey home. The anaesthetic does not cause any weakness or numbness of the area, so not affecting your function and ability to drive.
Anxiety
Some patients might feel a little anxious about undertaking a steroid injection and can feel slightly unsteady after the procedure. This is usually very short-lived, commonly lasting no more than a few minutes. Patients will be encouraged to take a seat after the procedure for 15 minutes until these symptoms settle which is usually a couple of minutes.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Patients with diabetes or poorly controlled blood pressure are advised not to drive immediately after an injection. This is due to the increased potential of the medication to cause a short-term destabilisation of their condition. In rare occasions, this may last for a few days. Patients with poorly controlled blood pressure or diabetes are requested to discuss their condition with their G.P. prior to undertaking a steroid injection.
Side effects are very rare, however, to ensure patient safety we ask all patients to remain in the waiting room for 15 minutes after an injection where you can be safely monitored by medically trained staff.
Insurance cover
In general, you do not need to notify the DVLA after receiving a steroid injection. However, many insurance companies have strict policies concerning driving after a medical intervention. Often your insurance company will require you to be able to perform an emergency brake safely to comply with your insurance policy. If you are having a lower limb injection such as the hip, knee or foot, we would strongly advise you do not drive to your appointment.
If you are concerned in any way then call your insurance company directly to ask for their advice on return to driving.
The DVLA do not offer any direct advice on driving after injection, however, they suggest the following criteria;
Drivers generally do not need to notify the DVLA of conditions for which clinical advice has indicated less than 3 months of no driving. If the judgement of the treating clinician is that the DVLA need to be notified, that health care professional should advise the patient to contact the DVLA. Such a judgement may be necessary for a range of conditions that may temporarily affect driving. This includes post-operative recovery and limb injuries expected to show normal recovery.
Complete suggests the following advice:
- We would suggest, when possible, that a friend or relative attends your appointment with you.
- Ideally, a friend or family member would drive you to your appointment. Alternatively, you could get a taxi or use public transport.
- If you plan to drive to your appointment and you have concerns about the injection affecting your ability to drive, please feel free to contact one of our expert clinicians on injections@complete-physio.co.uk or 020 7482 3875.
- If you experience a post-injection steroid flare wait until it has passed prior to driving again (typically a few days after the injection). Ensure you can perform an emergency brake before starting to drive again.
- Contact your insurance company if you have any concerns.
If you have any concerns or would like to speak to one of our expert clinicians for further advice please contact us on 0207 4823875 or email injections@complete-physio.co.uk.
If you are unsure whether an injection is right for you, we are happy to organise a complimentary phone call with one of our clinicians – Click here to book now