SwampDude

Had cortisone injection in both knees today for arthritis inflammation, and its helping reduce the pain already. But, I forgot to ask if I can get back on the bike immediately. I just don't want to do anything that prevents maximum benefit of the cortisone.

Whats the general rule for exercise after treatment? Rest a few days or get on the bike and ride?

CbadRider

I did a google search and it came up with 24 hours.

https://postrehab.com/when-do-i-begin...one-injection/

2manybikes

There is not really a general rule. Everyone can be different. Ask the doc.

tomato coupe

I've had cortisone injections in my knees on multiple occasions. I was always able to ride right away, but was advised to not go too hard for 2 or 3 days. Also, the immediate relief you're feeling may be due to a little bit of lidocaine mixed in with the cortisone. (Very common to do this.)

GP

Don't be ridiculous. Why go to someone who has years of education and training when you can ask here?

rebel1916

It is astounding to me that you didn't ask the Dr. when you were in his/her office.

GrandaddyBiker

I used to get cortisone shots regularly and the results were amazing. I would go into the doctor’s office barely able to walk and 10 minutes after a shot felt like I could run. My doctor told me I know you feel as if you can do anything after a shot but I want you off your feet as much as possible for the next 24 hours.

The doctor eventually refused to give me the shots because he said there is a limit to how much cortisone a person can safely take without the cortisone affecting the bones that you do not want to treat.

SwampDude

Be gentle, now. Yes, I should have asked the doc. Instead, we got into a discussion about knee replacement surgery. That kind of took my mind off of the 'how quick can I ride?' question.

This forum has lots of folks with lots of experience dealing with sports injuries and joint issues. I suspect there are some medical professionals, too. The advice I received here seems reasonable, but I don't consider it to be definitive. I'll see how I feel tomorrow, and I'll probably do a short ride (24 hours after the injections) and see how the knees feel afterward. I may repeat on Sunday if Saturday goes well. Monday, I'll call the doc. I ain't real stupid, you know.

I do appreciate the comments and the Google search. All I can say at this point is cortisone is gooooood stuff.

2manybikes

metalheart44

My knee doc says wait 5-7 days ...that is what I usually do.

Rekless1

I've alway been told 24h/48h minimum.

The problem is you feel better , so you don't feel you tearing yourself up even more.

SwampDude

Ok, already! I'm gonna sit on my butt all weekend with feet elevated to let the meds work their magic. Monday I'll call the doc for an official ruling.

I'm allowed to get these cortisone injections every 90 days, but this time I waited 6 months. I'm just real conservative about medicine of all kinds. I won't wait so long again. A trip to the zoo with 3 granddaughters almost killed me.

I will report the "official" guidance provided by my orthopedic guy on exercising after cortisone shots.

I'm being told biking is great after knee replacement surgery, if the patient goes through rehab as directed. Does that square with your actual experience or with people you know who had the surgery? I'm looking at having both knees done when the cortisone doesn't work anymore.

Looigi

It's very common to include lidocaine with the cortisone, which could help account for the seeming instantaneous improvement after an injection.

SwampDude

Wonder if I can get straight lidocaine injections for special occasions, like the zoo outing with grandkids. Isn't that what the jocks used to do for game day? Just joking, of course.

Day 2 after cortisone injections is still good. Walking almost naturally. Better than replacement surgery.