The wait time depends completely on the volume of referrals at that time. Every effort is made to see patients within four to six weeks.

Yes, it is normal to experience a post-steroid flare with pain that may be worse than before the injection for up to one week afterwards.

Based on medical history and if safe to do so, Tylenol and Advil can be taken, and ice and heat can be applied over the area. The pain generally should improve over the first week.

The soonest would be every three months in the same joint. If it is a different joint, it does not need to wait three months.

Usually within two weeks, the full analgesic and pain reduction effect of a cortisone injection can be seen.

It depends on the condition. Sometimes an MRI is helpful, and sometimes it does not change anything or have any clinical benefit. The most important imaging for most people is an x-ray, and sometimes additionally an ultrasound depending on the joint and the issue at hand.

It is recommended to wait approximately one week before returning to sports and exercise.

It is generally advised to avoid cortisone injections within two weeks before or two weeks after an immunization or vaccine, as it reduces the body's ability to develop immunity to whatever was vaccinated for.

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-type injection that is used sometimes in conjunction with cortisone or on its own for the purpose of reducing pain from osteoarthritis. It has many different ways of reducing pain. It is often preferred in younger patients or individuals trying to delay surgery, as it does not have any deteriorating effect on cartilage.

Theoretically, at a microscopic level, yes. However, clinically it is very rare to see any difference in symptoms or reduction in cartilage due to cortisone injections. Generally speaking, it is very safe to inject into joints.

Yes, diabetic patients can receive cortisone injections. However, if on insulin and checking blood sugars on a daily basis, there may be an increase in blood sugars for forty-eight to seventy-two hours following the injection. If a tightly controlled diabetic, please inform the clinic as the dose of cortisone may be lowered for the procedure.

No. For the initial consultation appointment or for any new joint or issue, a new referral is required. However, for the same issue, follow-up appointments can be arranged by contacting the clinic directly within twenty-four months of the most recent appointment.