Is there any corralation between steroid inj | Arthritis Information

Anyone out there know if there is an corralation between steroid injections and loss of cartilage. I swear after several injects of my knee I ended up getting a Knee replacement. Also is there any such thing as getting to many steroid injections per year?

Thanks.

RA 1996

Orencia, Prednisone, Fosamax, Folic Acid

I don't know about cartilage but I know it is hard on bones and I guess if the bone deteriorates, so will the cartilage.I was told by my orthopedic doc that cortisone will deteriorate the tendons, cartilage, and bones. He said I could get up to 6 injections a year, but I don't know if he said that because its "safe" or because he believes I will need a knee replacement and so he's not that worried about deterioration. My RD said that 6 injections a year was NOT ok. So I don't know.
I've had my knees done 5 times and my shoulders 3 times in the past 18mos... I guess we'll see.
How was the knee sx?

LeilaMy knee started to hurt, then the other started within the month. I went to an orthopedoc who xrayed both knees and I had little cartl. left. Within 6 months I had no cartl. left and I had my first knee replacement 12 months after the initial diagnosis. I've never had steroid shots to my knees but I have had Synvisc injections to both knees and after replacement only the other knee. My RD and orthopod said if I wanted steroid injections I could have them every 6 months only. I opted not to have steroid inj. and have Synvisc injected. It lasts about 6 months and works great for me. I'll have the other knee replaced next year. Once you're symptomatic the errosion happens quickly. LindyI imagine that I don't have much cartilage in either knee since when I walk up stairs, the grinding noise is so loud that it gives my husband chills. Kinda like a nails on a chalkboard thing.
Synvisc is the next thing my doc wants to try, maybe within a month or 2. I wish I could ask you how it compares with the cortisone for pain relief. Why did you opt out of cortisone injections?
My doctor is not in a hurry to do the knee replacement because he says I'm too young and they don't last forever. How was the recovery and how is your pain/function now?
Synvisc is great. It's a super lubricant and doesn't mimic steroids in any way. It usually lasts 3-6 months. Mine lasted between 5-6 months. I've had my right knee injected every 5-6 months for the last 2 years. My left knee crunched and grinded with certain movements. I wasn't able to drive for a year prior to the knee replacement because we have vehicles with clutches and I couldn't push in the clutch without a horrible grinding noise. I chose Synvisc because I didn't want any further steroids in my body than was absolutely necessary. I was curious about Synvisc after I did the research and felt it was the best option for me. Fortunately it was.

If your insurance will pay for the knee replacement then go for it. You may reach a point in the disease process that will weaken your knee to such a degree that you'll have a more difficult time functioning with a replacement. You need to talk with your orthopod about this. It's true they don't last forever but I'd rather have the benefit of having a new knee for 15 years than further damage to the knee, an increase in pain, and not being able to walk without assistance. This is the age of the baby boomer and they're replacing knees at a much younger age than ever before. The bottom line is, if you need it - have it done. Fifteen years down the road you may need another but by that time they'll probably wave a wand over your knee and you'll be healed forever.

My knee replacement was no problem. I had minimal pain post op and was on a pain pump for the first 24 hours. Up walking morning after surgery. On CPM machine most of the day. Physical therapy for several weeks post op - this is the most important thing you'll do. Physical therapy keeps you moving and contractures from forming. I went shopping 4 weeks post op. Golfed 9 holes 7 weeks post op. The most important 2 things you can do for yourself is find the best surgeon possible and do your physical therapy. Good luck. Lindy

I've had knee replacements because I had uncontrolled RA. I was diagnosed in the 1970s before the drug options we have these days, so did not benefit from such drugs as biologics until the 2000s.

I had cortisone shots in my knees to reduce the pain and the swelling due to inflammation. I don't think I had more than 2 shots in one year, though it may be considered okay to have as many as 3.

Because of my age, I put off knee replacements until I could barely walk, I had bone on bone. I had both replaced at the age of 49. I'm not super active, so I'm hoping they will last, and I will not need revision surgery.
Leile what is Synvisc?? I have never heard of it. Hmm... My knee was swollen for a whole month and she wanted to get the inflammation down. It worked like over night. But that night I was sweating like a pig and I used the bathroom about 5 times now my cheeks are all flushed. Side effects of the steroid shot. No sleep what so ever. I have had my left knee replaced back in 2003. I 'm trying to hold out until I'm at least 55. I had my 1st knee replacement at 38. I don't know how young you are but it can be done. I was in to much pain and could not walk or had to use a cane to get around. One doc said they can last up to 20 years as long as you are not a die hard athlete. So good luck.OMG...I also sweated thru several sets of pjs that first night. Thank goodness that doesn't happen anymore!
Synvisc is a oily lubricant that helps cushion the joint and cuts down on friction.
I'm 39 and I can still walk without a cane. I had a chondroplasty on my left knee last year, which was supposed to buy me some time. With 7 children between the ages of 17 and 3, I'm not real eager to have more knee surgery. (Not to mention going off the mtx *shudder*) We'll see. I am not sure but I received steroid injections to my knees as well. It was my hips I lost. I haven't had them replaced too many other things cropped and they can't get the inflammaton down for surgery and just can't afford any of it right now.

However, I was given a lot of corticosteroid injections around my hips, way more than what was recommended in a year, year after year and also given a lot of medrol-dose packs, year after year. in addition to daily prednisone use year after year.Before you decide that steroids are better than surgery please do your research, talk to several orthopedic doctors, your primary. If your insurance will pay for surgery and if you're able to take the time away from home or work it's the best option. It's the best option even if you can't find the time, you'll be far better off in the long run. I realize it's a personal decision but listen to your doctors and/or seek a 2nd opinion. Lindy IDK about the correlation... I can only share my own experiences. I was DX'd at age 10... in the 70's as someone said, there weren't many RX options. Steroid shots and aspirin were my choices..

After 18 months, my knee cap had deteriorated to the size of a nickel.. The Ortho rebuilt it and it is still the same knee cap about 40 years later! He also scraped the synovial linking and cleaned out the "issues" I fared MUCH better w/ my JRA for a long time after that.

good luck.. I hope you find comfort.