I
Insight Horizon Media

Are leg cramps a side effect of cortisone shots?

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Mar 18, 2026

Are leg cramps a side effect of cortisone shots?

Usually, there is no muscle pain. Cortisone can also weaken the tendons but symptoms are usually non-existent and cases of tendon rupture are rare. In addition, corticosteroids frequently cause cramps, particularly in the early stages of treatment.

Can steroids cause leg cramps?

Supplements, Anabolic Steroids and creatine have been implicated in the development of cramping. To prevent muscle cramps, Dr. Leary advises to work toward better overall fitness. It is important to do regular flexibility exercises before and after you work out to stretch muscle groups most prone to cramping.

Can a steroid shot cause muscle cramps?

by Drugs.com Muscle pain and tenderness has been reported with steroid use but it is not common. If you are concerned talk with your doctor. Generally because the site of injection is specific steroid injections are usually well tolerated and side effects are minimal especially when compared with oral steroids.

Can injections cause aching legs?

The epidural space is the space surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots in your back. Inflammation in and around this space can irritate sensitive structures in this area causing back and leg pain. This can also cause numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the legs.

Why do steroids cause muscle cramps?

Prednisone sends my appetite into overdrive. It also depletes potassium, which causes unforgettable, nightmare cramping in my hands, legs, and feet, and causes fluid retention.

When should I be concerned about leg cramps?

Muscle cramps usually disappear on their own and are rarely serious enough to require medical care. However, see your doctor if your cramps: Cause severe discomfort. Are associated with leg swelling, redness or skin changes.

How do you stop leg muscle cramps?

How can I reduce my risk of getting leg cramps?

  1. Make sure that you stay hydrated – drink six to eight glasses of water each day.
  2. Adjust how you sleep.
  3. Gently stretch your leg muscles before you go to sleep.
  4. Keep blankets and sheets loose around your feet so that your toes are not distorted.

What are the side effects of a steroid shot?

Potential side effects of steroid injections include:

  • pain around the injection site, ranging from minor to intense pain, which is often called a cortisone or steroid flare.
  • bruising around the injection site.
  • face flushing for a few hours.
  • thin or pale skin around the injection site.
  • insomnia.

Does Covid make your legs hurt?

People using the app have reported feeling muscle aches and pains, particularly in their shoulders or legs. COVID-related muscle pains can range from being mild to quite debilitating, especially when they occur alongside fatigue. For some people, this muscle pain stops them from doing day-to-day tasks.

What is the best OTC medication for leg cramps?

Although no specific medical treatment is indicated for leg cramps, several drugs have been used with varied success. Calcium-channel blockers, such as diltiazem, have been used to treat nocturnal leg cramps. Vitamin B complex (including 30-mg vitamin B6) has also shown effectiveness.

What is quick relief of leg cramps?

When a leg cramp strikes, the best thing to do for leg cramp relief is to massage the tightened muscle gently. Try and stretch the leg if you can or use a hot water bottle on the affected area to relax the contracted muscles. Having a hot shower before sleeping can also prevent leg cramps at night.

What causes persistent leg cramps at night?

Most of the time, no apparent cause for night leg cramps can be identified. In general, night leg cramps are likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age. Pregnant women also have a higher likelihood of having night leg cramps.