I get cortisone shots in my shoulder, my elbow and my knees. How often can you injections in one spot?
I just had one in my knee a month ago, and it is hurting again.
jpd
Personally I refuse to get them - the pain can come back within a day or two or longer depending on the problem and the cortisone can cause other problems to the tissue.
My mother had Paget's and used to get them every 6 months for her knees. I had to get them a few times and the relief was very temporary. Sometimes physical therapy will help to strengthen the muscles in the surrounding area. Talk to your md about options.
jpd, I personally would never get any more cortisone shots. Generally, cortisone should not be given repeatedly as it can cause damage to the joint.
I got one on my knee about 6 mos ago after arthroscopic knee surgery due to pain. It didn't help at all and only made the pain worse. You can also develop a steroid flare. It's very painful and I decided I'd never have another cortisone shot.
Google this, jpd. Get the facts because I don't think you'll want to get these injections repeatedly. I'm not a doc but I personally will never get another cortisone shot.
Sometimes it's time to look at knee replacement. Only you and your dr would know if this is the case.
Thanks for all the replies. The dr just did an MRI of my knee. He said it only showed osteoarthritis and degenerative disease. He said it was not time for a knee replacement yet. I guess I may have to get a cane to walk with. Sometimes my knee gives out on me.
Thanks again!
jpd
Have you asked or talked to him about the U-flexa shots? They are different than the cortisone shots. I have tricompartmental arthritis in both knees and am looking towards getting both knees replaced but they won't do it yet because I am "too young". so this is my only option at this point for any kind of pain relief if I want to be able to walk at all. I have also had the cortisone shots, but I have had severe pain in my knees for many years and needed some kind of relief so I could continue to walk. I don't know how much longer they are going to put off the replacements, but I am hoping not much longer!! I hate this pain!!
SJS can also cause tendinitis repeatedly, if I remember what I read correctly. I try to to PT at home on my shoulder, as I have that as well.
Good luck to you and hope you find some pain relief soon!!
Have you tried water theraphy? I've needed new knees for several years my Dr. said that due to my bad lungs I wouldn't be able to have surgery. I'm 75 yrs old and to pain was really bad even though I walk with a walker. I asked if I could have physical therapy, he said only water therapy. He gave me the order and I started. Took about a mo. before I could tell but it is really helping.
I hope this is of some help,
mebog
Do everything you can to avoid another one!!