Patient information leaflet
Steroid Joint Injection Aftercare
This leaflet provides aftercare advice following your steroid joint injection using methylprednisolone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Medrone, and lidocaine.
Please follow these instructions to help you recover safely and get the best possible benefit from your injection.
Shoulder
Relief for painful shoulders and rotator cuff issues.
Knee
Helps reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
Thumb & Hand
Useful for arthritis, tendonitis and joint inflammation.
1. What to expect after your injection
- ✓Mild soreness, heaviness, or discomfort can happen for 24 to 48 hours.
- ✓The local anaesthetic may cause temporary numbness for a few hours.
- ✓Some people experience a temporary steroid flare before improvement begins.
- ✓Benefit may start within a few days, but it can take up to 2 weeks.
2. What you should do
- ✓Rest the joint for 24 to 48 hours.
- ✓Use gentle movement only at first.
- ✓Use simple analgesia if needed: paracetamol, and ibuprofen only if tolerated and taken with food.
- ✓Keep the area clean and monitor your symptoms.
- ✓If you have diabetes, check your blood sugars more closely for a few days.
3. What you should not do
- ×Do not do strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or repetitive activity for 48 hours.
- ×Do not overuse the joint on the day of injection.
- ×Do not drive if the joint feels numb or weak immediately afterwards.
- ×Do not ignore worsening pain, redness, or swelling.
4. When to seek urgent medical advice
- !Increasing redness, swelling, or heat around the joint.
- !Severe pain that is getting worse.
- !Fever, shivering, or feeling unwell.
- !Significant weakness, allergic symptoms, or any serious concern.
If you experience any of the above or feel severely unwell, seek urgent medical help or attend A&E.
5. Need help after your injection?
We’re here to support you. Get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Emergency out of hours
0141 255 2683
If no one answers, leave a message and we will call back within the hour.
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Send a WhatsApp message
07537 141116
Quick, convenient support via WhatsApp for non-emergency concerns.
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If symptoms are worsening
Call 111
If you are concerned call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.
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WhatsApp link opens a chat with +44 7537 141116
Frequently asked questions
Is soreness normal?
Yes, mild soreness or discomfort is common for 24 to 48 hours.
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When can I return to normal activity?
You can usually return gradually after 48 hours, depending on how you feel.
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When should I contact the clinic?
Contact us if symptoms worsen or you have any concerns, especially red flag symptoms.
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