FAQ

It’s normal, even expected, for you to feel some discomfort in your affected area after receiving an injection. The steroid can take a few weeks to a month for full effect. Here are a few things you can try at home if you’re experiencing pain in the injection site:

• Place ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth or some barrier between the ice and your skin.
• Ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Please be careful with medications – read and follow the instructions on the label.
• Avoid strenuous activity for several days. Particularly, avoid ones that apply stress on the area where you received the shot.
• You may feel numbness around the joint for a few hours.
• If your shot included both a pain reliever and steroid, then the pain will probably go away right away. It may return after a few hours. This may occur if the pain reliever wears off and the steroid hasn’t started to work yet. Steroids don’t always work, but when they do, the pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer.

How and when do I take my pain medication?

It is important to discuss post-surgical pain relief and pain medications with your doctor prior to the surgery to know what to expect. If you have questions or problems with your medications, please reach out to your doctor. Being prepared for post-surgical pain can help you know what medication to take and when, so you can find relief faster.

There are many types of medications to help manage pain after orthopedic surgery. These include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Topical Analgesics. For how and when to take your medication, this varies on a case-by-case basis and will depend on how much pain you are feeling. This is something you will discuss further with your doctor.

What are some other medications your provider may prescribe?

Your provider may prescribe any of the following medications:

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen
• Nausea medications
• Topical Analgesics
• Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen

How do I use the Prevena Wound Care Device?

Your provider has chosen the Prevena Wound Care Device to help with the healing of your wound. Proper wound care is essential for clean and healthy healing. Watch this video for more information or view the PDF.

View PDF

How do I care for my cast?

Taking care of yourself can feel overwhelming after surgery. That’s why the experts at Cedar Valley Orthopedic Surgery & Physical Therapy are here when you have questions. If you have a cast, it might begin to feel or fit differently throughout your treatment. This can occur for a variety of reasons and can be related to an increase or decrease of swelling.

If you’re having discomfort with your cast or splint, apply ice and elevate above heart level. If you’re concerned about the fit of your cast, you may need to call our office. If outside of office hours, you may need to seek urgent or immediate care. Reasons for urgent evaluation include:

• Changes of color or temperature of the affected extremity
• Difficulty moving the affected site, fingers or toes
• An increase in the severity of pain

• Try to keep your cast as dry as you can. The fiberglass portion of your cast can get wet but getting the inside wet can cause problems. If the cast does get wet, try blowing cool air from a blow dryer or fan into the cast to relieve itching. Never stick items under the cast to scratch the skin.
• Use a bag or tape a sheet of plastic to cover your cast when you take a shower or bath or when you have any other contact with water. Don't take a bath unless you can keep the cast out of the water. There are waterproof cast protectors that can be purchased locally or online.
• Moisture can collect under the cast and cause skin irritation and itching. It can make an infection more likely if you have had surgery or have a wound under the cast.
• Don't use oils or lotions near your cast. If the skin gets red or irritated around the edge of the cast, you may pad the edges with a soft material or use tape to cover them.

Rest

• Do not put weight on the injury for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• Use crutches for a badly sprained knee or ankle.
• Support a sprained wrist, elbow or shoulder with a sling.

Ice

• Put ice or cold pack on the injury right away to reduce pain and swelling. Frozen vegetables will also work as an ice pack. Put a thin cloth between the ice or cold pack and your skin. The cloth protects the injured area from getting too cold.
• Use ice for 10 to 15 minutes at a time for the first 48 to 72 hours.

Compression

• Use compression for sprains, strains and surgeries of the arms and legs.
• Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to reduce swelling.
• Don't wrap it too tightly. If the area below it feels numb, tingles or feels cool, loosen the wrap.

Elevation

• Use elevation for areas of the body that can be propped up, such as arms and legs.
• Prop up the injured area on pillows whenever you use ice. Keep it propped up anytime you sit or lie down.
• Try to keep the injured area at or above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling and bruising.

Please allow 48 hours for all medication refills. Medication requests on Fridays will be handled on a case by case basis and determined by the provider. In the event that your refill can not be fulfilled on a Friday, it will be addressed Monday or next business day.

We understand that you may need to make a change to an existing appointment. We request that you call the office and speak with a staff member to change or cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance.