How Long Does Lidocaine Injection Last In Shoulder: 4 Facts [Must Learn]

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic often used to numb an area of the body before a medical procedure. When injected into the shoulder, it can relieve pain for a particular duration. The shoulder lidocaine injection duration may be affected by various factors.

The effects of lidocaine injections last about 20 minutes and work within 90 seconds. Lidocaine is effective almost immediately as a local or regional anesthetic, lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. After an injection, most patients find that their pain significantly improves within 1-3 days. Joint injections provide relief for 3 months or longer and are repeated up to 3 times.

In this blog post, we'll explore the lidocaine injection duration and its affecting factors and provide you with all the information you need.

How Long Does Lidocaine Injection Last In The Shoulder?

The duration of lidocaine injection action in the shoulder can vary based on dose, concentration, volume, injection site, inflammation, individual response, and procedure type.

Relief can last a few hours to several days, and additional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or surgery may be needed for lasting benefits. Here are estimates of lidocaine injection duration in the shoulder based on different scenarios:

• When patients with rotator cuff tendinitis or subacromial bursitis have a single subacromial injection containing 40 mg of lidocaine and 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide (a corticosteroid), . the results can last for 4-6 weeks
• An intra-articular injection of 10 mL of 2% lidocaine can relieve shoulder pain up to 2-4 hours after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

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• 20 mL of 2% lidocaine can provide a sensory block for 4-6 hours and a motor block for 2-4 hours in patients undergoing shoulder scale surgery.
• A continuous infusion of lidocaine through a catheter placed in the shoulder joint or the subacromial space can provide up to 48 hours of pain relief with minimal side effects.
• Combining lidocaine with ketamine (another anesthetic) can provide longer-lasting and more profound pain relief than lidocaine alone but requires close monitoring and careful dosage.

Duration of Lidocaine Injection in the Shoulder: Four-Factor Analysis

Lidocaine injections commonly treat shoulder pain. Several factors can affect how long its numbing effects last. Let's examine the factors affecting the duration of shoulder lidocaine injections.

Type and Severity of Shoulder Condition

• The lidocaine injection duration can vary depending on the shoulder condition's type and severity.
• A higher dose of lidocaine may be required in chronic conditions, resulting in a longer-lasting numbing effect.
• Acute conditions may only require a lower dosage that lasts for a shorter period.

Age and Overall Health of the Patient

• Lidocaine injection duration can also be affected by age and overall health.
• We lose the ability to keep lidocaine as we age because of a slowed metabolism.
• Lidocaine may also have longer-lasting effects on patients suffering from liver or kidney disease.

The Dosage and Concentration of Lidocaine Injected

• Injection of lidocaine can significantly affect its duration.
• Higher dosages and concentrations will cause longer-lasting effects.
• It's important to note that excessive dosages can be dangerous and cause adverse reactions.

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The Presence of Other Medications or Substances in the Body

• Substances or medicines in the body can also affect the duration of lidocaine injections.
• Some medicines can slow Lidocaine metabolism, causing it to remain in the body longer.
• The duration of lidocaine can also be affected by other substances, such as alcohol or recreational drugs.

Conclusion

Various shoulder conditions can be treated with lidocaine injections in the shoulder. Patients can ease any concerns and prepare for the procedure by understanding how lidocaine injections work, dosage, and administration.

Even though pain relief can last several hours to days following an injection, patients can expect to experience significant pain relief. To determine if lidocaine injection is appropriate for your specific injury and medical history, a healthcare professional should be consulted.