Steroid injection after total knee replacement surgery can be a valuable adjunct to managing postoperative pain and inflammation. Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgery that replaces a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial implant, easing chronic pain and restoring function. While the surgery aims to alleviate pain, some individuals may experience residual discomfort and inflammation during recovery.
Steroid injections, called corticosteroids, offer a targeted approach to addressing these postoperative symptoms. By delivering potent anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, steroid injections can help reduce swelling, ease pain, and improve mobility, ultimately facilitating a smoother rehabilitation process.
This article will explore the benefits of steroid injections after total knee replacement, discuss their potential risks and side effects, and highlight important considerations to help you make informed decisions regarding this treatment option. Whether you are a patient seeking relief or a healthcare professional involved in postoperative care, understanding the role of steroid injections can contribute to optimal recovery and improved quality of life.
Steroid injection
Steroid injections, called corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines that treat various diseases.
You can use them to treat joint pain, gout, sciatica, and inflammatory bowel disease, among other things.
Only a doctor or physical therapist can administer steroid injections. Hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone are all common types.
How to give steroid injections?
A doctor administers steroids in a hospital, clinic, or general practitioner’s office.
They can be given in a variety of ways, such as:
- into a joint (an intra-articular injection)
- into a muscle (an intramuscular injection)
- into the spine (an epidural injection)
- into the blood (an intravenous injection)
Most of the time, it takes a few days for the injections to start working, but some work in just a few hours. Most of the time, the effect goes away after a few weeks or months.
It might also have a local anaesthetic to ease the pain when you get a shot. This immediately removes the pain and keeps it away for a few hours.
After the injection, you should be able to go home quickly. You might have to rest the body part treated for a few days.
Total Knee Replacement
During knee replacement surgery, parts of the knee joint that are broken or sick are removed and replaced with metal or plastic parts.
It’s a safe, effective treatment that can help you feel better and move better. It’s also called knee arthroplasty.
Most arthroplasties are called “total knee replacements” because they replace the whole knee joint. But some people decide to get only part of their knee replaced.
Understanding the difference helps to know that the knee comprises different parts or compartments. There are three:
- Inside (medial).
- Outside (lateral).
- Under the kneecap (patellofemoral or front of the knee).
The partial method only fixes one part. So doctors call it a “one-compartment replacement.” With a total knee replacement, all three parts are taken care of. Most of the time, partial knee replacement helps only younger people with pain in only one part of their knee.
Various Factors of Steroid Injection After Total Knee Replacement!
People with total knee replacement surgery may feel pain and stiffness while healing. Steroid injections could be used to help treat these symptoms. These targeted corticosteroid injections can help by lowering swelling and pain and making the healing process go more smoothly. Whether you’re looking for relief or a doctor is taking care of a patient after surgery, knowing how steroid injections work can help you get better and have a better quality of life.
What are the Benefits of Steroid Injection After Total Knee Replacement?
Steroid injections can help in several ways when used after knee replacement surgery. Here are some key advantages:
Reduces inflammation
Corticosteroids in steroid injections are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. By going straight to the area around the knee joint, these injections can help lower swelling. This can help reduce swelling and pain, making it easier for people to get better pain relief while healing.
Improved Pain Management
Total knee replacement surgery causes much tissue damage, leading to pain afterwards. Steroid injections can relieve pain by blocking pain signals and reducing inflammation in the knee joint. This can help people deal with pain and make them feel better while healing.
Improved Rehabilitation
Pain and inflammation can be reduced with steroid injections, which can help the healing process go more smoothly. With less pain, it may be easier for people to do physical therapy routines and other activities that help them heal and get their joint mobility back. This can lead to better functional outcomes and a faster return to daily tasks.
Potential to Delay or Avoid Other Treatments
Steroid injections may help some people deal with pain and inflammation, so they don’t need other treatments or interventions. By successfully getting rid of symptoms, these injections may delay or even eliminate the need for more invasive procedures or the long-term use of oral painkillers.
Individualized Treatment
Steroid injections can be changed to fit the needs of each person. The dose, how often, and when injections can be changed based on the patient’s needs. This makes for a more personalized treatment plan. This lets medical workers find the best way to treat pain and adjust the therapy to fit the unique needs of each person’s recovery.
What are the Risks and Considerations of Steroid Injection After Total Knee Replacement?
When thinking about getting steroid injections after a total knee replacement, it’s important to know the possible risks and other things to think about. Here are some important things to remember:
Infection
Even though the chance is small, there is always a chance of getting an infection from a shot. Doctors and nurses use sterile techniques when giving injections to reduce this chance as much as possible.
Tissue Damage
It’s important to ensure an experienced medical worker gives the injection to avoid harming the area’s tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
Side Effects
Steroid injections can have some systemic side effects, though they are less likely to happen with localized doses. There may be a brief rise in blood sugar, weight gain, flushing of the face, mood swings, or trouble sleeping. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your worries.
Temporary Relief
The benefits of steroid injection may only last for a few weeks or months, giving relief for that time. You may need to get more injections or try other treatments for long-term pain control.
Contraindications
People with active infections, diabetes that isn’t under control, or bleeding problems may not be able to get steroid injections. Tell your doctor about your medical background so he or she can decide if steroid injections are right for you.
Individual Response
Responses to steroid injections can be different for each person. Some people may get a lot of relief from their pain, but others may not feel the same way. It’s important to talk openly with your healthcare provider so you can set realistic goals and, if necessary, look into other choices.
FAQs
How long to wait for knee surgery after a cortisone injection?
When knee surgery is done after a cortisone injection depends on several things, most of the time, you should wait at least two weeks after getting a cortisone injection before having knee surgery. This waiting period gives the corticosteroid medicine time to work and may help temporarily with pain and inflammation. But the exact length of time may depend on the person, the severity of the illness, and the healthcare provider’s advice. Before proceeding with knee surgery, you should talk to the orthopedic surgeon or other care team members to determine how long you should wait.
How long after steroid injection can I exercise?
When you can start exercising again after a steroid injection depends on where the injection was given and how you respond to the treatment; most of the time, it is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before doing vigorous or high-impact workouts. This gives the medicine time to settle and reduces the chance of side effects. But it’s important to do what your doctor tells you to do. Your doctor can give you specific information based on your condition and the type of steroid injection. They may suggest different activities or a slow return to exercise to ensure the injury heals well and reduce the chance of it happening again. After a steroid injection, you should always ask your doctor for specific directions on when you can start exercising again.
Read More: Pros and Cons of Steroid Injections for Back Pain!