Cortisone injections

I have not had one but would think it has to be worth a try.

It must work for some people or it would not be offered and although is unpleasant is a short time of pain compared with the agony and debilitation that you must have now.

When you are in considerable pain anything is worth a go.

I have had cortisone injection twice but not in my knee. One worked, the other less so. It is a painful experience but over quickly and worth it if it makes a difference.
I too have a arthritic knee and have been told it needs replacement. I was recently referred for group physio therapy at the local hospital. The paperwork I was given says physio helps avoid the need or at least delays a knee replacement.
As far as I know arthroscopies are rarely used these days though my neighbour felt she benefitted from hers. However her surgeon was subsequently struck off but that’s another story.
If you go with the injection I think there’s a limit to how many you can have so best check. I am giving the physio a go.

I’ve had cortisone injections twice, not on my knees but on both my shoulders. I was also worried beforehand because I thought it was going to be painful, but it wasn’t and it worked so well that 6 years later I’m still pain free. I can highly recommend them.

I’m in a similar situation with my knee so will be interested in any replies.

I quite agree that cortisone injections are unpleasant and painful.

I have had two, one was entirely effective. The second my GP and I knew would be utterly ineffective before I even had it, as I was only having it because the NICE procedures said that this treatment had to be tried before consent was given for surgery, but both GP and specialist were agreed that the nature of my carpal tunnel syndrome was such that surgery was the only solution - and they were right.

I’ve had two cortisone injections, in my shoulder. The first didn’t work so the second was given using ultrasound guidance and that worked a treat, so much so that three years on, I’m still pain-free. Neither injection in itself was particularly painful, in fact for one of them I didn’t even know it had been done until the doctor said ‘All done, you can go now.’

The shoulder pain did increase for 48hrs after the second injection, which apparently is an acknowledged side effect, but I woke on the third morning pain free for the first time in 18 months. Bliss!

I recommend having an injection if it’s been suggested by the doc . I’ve had very successful cortisone jabs in both knees, also two big ones into my spine which has helped but not cured the problem. Most successful one was the one into my thumb !
Give it a go , it’s a bit uncomfortable but worth it for even a slight reduction in pain. Good luck !

I had a cortisone injection in my knee a year ago but not for arthritis, I have an impingement. I didn’t find the injection painful just uncomfortable and for a few weeks it was like a godsend but it didn’t last and I have been back to square one for months now. It did get really bad in November and I decided to get the ball rolling again and went to my GP. I was referred again to the knee clinic and advised to take painkillers in the meantime - pretty useless. Anyway I eventually got an appointment and I go on Tuesday. I don’t know how the injection would do for arthritis but if like me your pain is getting you down maybe it is something you should consider. Everyone’s pain threshold is different but I’m a bit of a wuss and would try it again.

Chewy, I have had lots over the years and one in my knuckles two weeks ago.
A lot depends on who is giving it.
On every occasion, the area has been anaethetised first with either an initial injection or a spray.
I have never experienced much pain, but I do have a high pain threshold.
I can't believe the relief I have had from my swollen hand in the last week.
To make sure the injection works properly, you must follow the advice properly and rest the joint for 24 hours.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

I have also had them in both knees on two occasions. I found the first ones lasted probably around 18 months then I had them again in the summer last year. Last year I walked with a stick, I could hardly get about. I would go ahead, they gave me relief which has lasted. The orthopaedic surgeon administered them, swabbing the area first.

I’ve had one in my elbow, one in my hip (for bursitis) and one in my thumb. The elbow one was extremely painful as it was being done. The hip one hurt for the night after and the thumb didn’t hurt at all. They have all worked and never needed doing again.
Hope you have a successful outcome!

I had I had several very successful cortisone injections into my knee and both hands. They were painful while being done but, that was momentary. My advice would be to go for it.

I’ve had a cortisone injection in both hips, I didn’t find them painful and they helped enormously.

I have had huge benefit from cortisone injections in my shoulder but they weren't quite so successful in my knees. I once had an injection in my hand, under x-ray and done by the consultant hand surgeon. Unfortunately that didn't work but his surgery was 100% effective.

Had a cortisone injection in my hip many years ago and it was like a miracle. Effect lasted for a few years, when it was repeated it helped with pain, etc, but was not quite so successful. Another one in my shoulder also was a great help and none of these were particularly painful. Again a second one there some years later helped, but with diminished success. A few years back I had them in my thumb, that was incredibly painful, pain lasted about three days, and once that wore off found there was very little change to how my thumb had been prior to injection.

I had one for a frozen shoulder GP warned me it would be painful but it really was not bad. However it made no difference at all to the pain.

I was offered and accepted a cortisone injection for thumb pain and difficulty gripping. Hardly felt it, rested my hand as instructed and six months later I can still grip without pain. We’re all different. I plan to request one for my knee in the very near future as I’m at the end of the road with physio.

Like Floradora, DH has a frozen shoulder and the physiotherapist wrote to our GP recommending he have a cortisone injection for the pain he gets when he lies down, this was interfering with his sleep. He did wait a few weeks but had the injection last Thursday. It wasn’t painful and so far it hasn’t made any difference but it is early days.

I am having a cortisone injection next month for a trigger finger.It is the first time I am having one.Hope it cures the TF.