Cortisone shots | Arthritis Information

 

Hi all,

I got my first ever shot of cortisone 6 months ago, and it was in my wrist. I have non-painful swelling quite often on the inside of my left wrist, and in the past it's always gone away on its own after a few days. The last time it lingered on for several months, and my doctor suggested a cortisone shot. I was hesitant, but in the end I let him give me the shot because I was tired of looking at the swelling ... it was gross. He numbed up the injection site with freeze spray first. When he Stuck the needle in, it didn't hurt at all. however the actual injection of the cortisone did feel a little uncomfortable, mostly because the injection took about 20 seconds. The doctor will happily slow down the rate of injection, if necessary, to minimize any discomfort. In the final analysis, I can honestly say that process wasn't painful. I experienced some mild discomfort for about 20 seconds, and that was it. I've been extremely happy with the results. It took about 4 days for the swelling to go completely away, and it hasn't returned.
I haven't had cortisone shots in my hands, but have in my knees.  In my experience, the area was numbed first w/a shot of lidocaine, then the cortisone shot.  Not bad painwise, and good results, reduced swelling.  Good luck. Thanks so much, makes me feel more hopeful.I have had a few in the hand. I get a lot of " tendonitis " so they inject when it's unbearable ( thankfully not too often ). Hurts a bit but within 24 hrs the pain is GONEthe shots do work well.  The doctor will choose the best spots based on his examination and your description of the pain.  Oh boy, I sure liked the sound of "the pain is gone"!!!   Thanks to all very much   I have had shots in my hands, wrists and forearms over the years, and have found them to give me much relief.   Any discomfort has been well worth it.  My hand specialist calls it "putting out the fires" versus taking Prednisone which can affect the entire body.  A also had a shot in my shoulder, probably 15 years ago, and pain has never returned.  When my RA doc administered the shot, he said my joint was good, so not sure how much was arthritis or maybe just from overuse.  I did wait several months before requesting the injection.  At the time the pain was keeping me awake at night and couldn't stand it any longer!  Good luck to you on your decision. Thanks Sharon, and all.  Im so excited, I should have done this earlier!!   My hands and wrists have been hurting sooooo bad and maybe this will let me do some simple things again, like turn a door knob!!
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