You may have 3–6 hours of numbness from the local anesthetic; some pain is normal once it wears off. Restrictions are followed until your 1-week follow-up.
First 24 hours
Immediate care
- Keep bandages and the procedure area clean and dry for 1 week
- Ice up to 20 minutes as needed for discomfort
- Have someone drive you home
First 5 days
Protect the site
- Avoid submerging the area (swimming/bathing) for 5 days
- Regular showers are fine once cleared
By body area (until 1-week follow-up)
Area-specific restrictions
- Elbow tendons: wear the sling during the day for 3 days (no driving in it), then at night/for comfort
- Follow the specific restrictions for your injection site
Contact the office if
Warning signs
- Redness or warmth, increasing pain or swelling, drainage, or fever