Patient’s often ask us how long a steroid injection is going to take to work. This is often when the patient has a significant event such as a marathon coming up. Choosing the best time to have a steroid injection so that it has the best chance of working at the all important can mean the difference between success and failure.
Steroids work differently to many pain killers having a more complex mechanism to reduce pain. Because of this they need time to take effect. Then main mechanism for reducing pain and inflammation is that they reprogram our body’s cells to stop producing inflammation and to produce our own natural anti-inflammatories. Because this is a more indirect action than most traditional painkillers it does take significantly longer to produce its effect.
Most research concludes that steroid injections take between 3-5 days to work. However to be on the safe side we would normally encourage patients to have their injection ideally 7-10 days week before their event. This gives the maximum chance that the steroid will achieve maximum benefits. Your treating clinician will also be able to give you specific tailored advice with regard to when you will be safe to return to full sporting activities.
Our unique one-stop-shop service means that you will be fully assessed by a highly experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist who will also be able to perform a diagnostic ultrasound scan of the area. Following this if indicated they will be able to proceed with an ultrasound guided injection directly targeted to the area of pain.
Complete Physio provide direct access to private practice ultrasound guided injections. If would like to discuss having a steroid injection or indeed how best to plan the timing before your events please do not hesitate to contact us on injections@complete-physio.co.uk or call direct on 02074823875