Steroid injections for arthritis

[ilovemyheckler]

Anyone had a steroid (hydrocortisone) injection into a joint, in particular the knee joint.

3 weeks ago, following an MRI scan, I was told that I have mild arthritis and a torn meniscus in one of my knees. Apparently I am to young for a knee replacement and am booked in for a steroid injection and a durolane (lubricating) injection on Monday morning.

As these are done without anaesthetic and the needle has to go right into the joint how painful and how successful are they?

Thanks

[ph5172]

I had a fair few to my shoulder. 

it was right into the joint and it was hit and miss if it hurt  sometimes it did others not as much  

 

it was well worth it though for the 6 or so months relief. I have not had one ages and do notice it 

 

 

 

[bottletopbill]

Steroid goes between joints on all three of my injections felt as it it the bone.

It hurt then  got a letter to say it was getting better from the doctor in MSK clinic.

Paid to go private and see a Doctor who said total knee replacement needed. He looked at my notes and told me he could perform this at my local hospital as he was the surgeon there on NHS.  

Left knee replaced total ****  up  and now need the right one doing and Left one replaced again .

[London Best]

Years ago (40) I had 2 cortisone injections into a damaged elbow. The pain was worse than the injury, particularly the next day. I know, I’m a whimp.
Have to say they did work though.

[daveboy]

I've had loads in both ankles.... daft thing is the more they hurt the better they seem to work. 

[Bigbob]

I have had 7 cortrozone injections in my left knee and had it drained 6 times , i was to get anew knee when i was 60 no there saying theres some cartridge and it will last till i am 70 LOL where did the cartridge suddenly appear from ?. They never hurt once but the last time i got one in my right knee as well and it HURT . Doctor says shes happy to give me injections ever 6 month till the operation 

[30-6]

Never had knee, but have had spine many times. Had one in my sternum.

Only a stopgap, don't last forever.

[loriusgarrulus]

Andrew had some steroid treatment for his psioritic arthritis. It improved the arthritis for 6 months, but It had an adverse reaction which triggered diabetes. In some it reverts, but Andrews was permanent. 

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/other-types-of-diabetes/steroid-induced-diabetes#:~:text=Is steroid-induced diabetes permanent,risk of type 2 diabetes.

[harkom]

just suggestin' ... request addition of a little mepivicaine to your doc for the intra-articular medication.

[Scully]

I’ve had them directly into both elbows and both heels, none are pleasant. They work in the interim, but you’re only allowed so many, then that’s it; alternatives have to be sought if the problem isn’t resolved. Good luck. 

[steve_b_wales]

I had 3 in my right shoulder, during a 16 month period. The 3rd one worked better, and I get very little pain and discomfort now. My right knee has had 3 so far, and according to the GP who did these, he reckoned there's 'no point' in having any more as they are not working. I either have to continue on pain killers ( Cocodamol 30/500) or have a replacement knee, which via the NHS would take years to get it done, or pay privately, which I've been told costs in the region of £12:000.

[Shambam1962]

I’ve suffered with my left knee for the past 5 years and have had numerous steroid injections into my knee.

 I didn’t find them painful to have as the needle was very thin, but I found the injections only worked for me around a few weeks.

I no longer have the injections as they didn’t work satisfactory for me and have been on pain killers to help with the constant pain.

Had a scan on my knee and have been waiting for 2 years for a replacement knee, and currently on the massive NHS waiting list.

I have been given a knee brace ( calliper) to wear, which is supposed to realign my knee, but after wearing it the pain is horrendous, and I no longer use.

My brother in law is a train driver and went private to have a replacement right knee, which cost him £12500 back in January.

After having the operation, he is finding the recovery very difficult and walks very slowly for someone in his early 50s.

This is a photo of his knee when he came out of hospital, and the recovery side of things is making me think whether I can cope with the slow recovery.

 I will make my decision when the time arrives and given my date.

[steve_b_wales]

The guy who fitted my house alarm recently, told me that he had paid privately for a knee operation. He said that it was very painful for the first two months, and to get better movement in it, he bought an exercise bike and slowly increased the movement in the knee while pedalling. He has 95% full movement with his knee.

[Nuke]

The better shape you are in the easier the rehabilitation gets.

I would suggest to quit smoking, drinking alcohol and fired food and to start training as much as you can to develop muscle and reduce your weight 6 months before the operation.

/M

Edited August 20, 2022 by Nuke

[bottletopbill]

Every one is different  remember those staples coming out a couple was imbedded . 

[owdnorthener]

I have had a couple in my shoulders.  Seems each GP (my practice) does a different joint, meaning they are pretty good, as they are quite used to that joint.

 

[Savhmr]

Had them in my elbows and shoulders.  Unpleasant but not too bad.  Really, they're only a short term relief aid to a longer term problem.  I find that using K Tape helps with support and you can do things with diet to reduce inflammation.  I haven't had any injections for my osteo arthritis in years now, following steroid and painkiller injections to my spine and other joints, instead using physio, keeping mobile and altering diet to cut right down on wheat based foods, increased the amount of fish and greens I eat and manage ok.