Hello! I've had arthritis for a while now, and I was wondering what anyone could tell me about cortisone shots. The arthritis in my hands is really bad and it makes my fingers deformed. My rheumy and phys. therapist say that it's because of nodules on my tendons; so they can't go through the tendon sleeves and Cortisone shots would help. Can anyone tell me how long the cortisone shots work? I don't want to have it done several times, I hate needles so much (yeah, it's weird, I'm on Enbrel) And I heard that it hurts a lot to get them done.
I've also heard of tendon release surgery (or trigger finger release) and from what I can tell, that would (nearly) fix me permanently. This also hurts, but it's one time only. Does anyone know anything about this? Any info would help.
Thanks!
~Allison
Allison, I understand how you feel. I am also on Enbrel and I LOVE those injections. I have been in a lot of pain and am going to ask for cortisone injection tomorrow at rd. I am scared but so sick of constant pain. I will let you know.mary
Hi Allison, My name is Rhonda and I have had alot of cortisone shots just about everywhere. But my GP says the worst spot is to have them done on your feet. I haven't had that one yet and hope I never have to. Anyway, I have had good and bad relief with the shots it just depends on each person. I do know they help me when I get real bad. So I think it is only fair to tell you that you are going to just have to try it, so that you can tell whether it is going to be something good for you or not. Good luck and I hope you can find some relief somehow.
I'd go with what the doctor is saying though. If the pain is a result of nodules it's not likely to help you. Trust me...my doctor offers the injections every time I mention pain...he wouldn't tell you that it wouldn't help if that wasn't true. He would encourage it if he thought it would be helpful.
Surgery might end your problems once and for all. I'd consider it. The majority of those here that have had surgery have had surgery on their hands and were quite pleased with the results. Hopefully someone will be around soon with better advise than us.
Best of luck to you.
Lovie
I've had them in my thumb, base joint (ouch) and end joints on fingers -(not so bad). Way better than surgery! Helped for about 6 months.