Anyone get cortisone shots

I have had several Steroid shots in my lower back. After the 3rd one where the pain relief lasted a lot less time than the first shot.. the Doctor said no more because they can cause damage to the joints...

• There is concern that repeated shots can damage cartilage within the joints.
• Diminishing Returns: The effectiveness of the shots often decreases over time. If they are no longer providing sufficient pain relief, additional injections will likely offer little benefit while still carrying risks.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Frequent injections increase the risk of infection at the injection site.

here's what's avaiable if the Cortisone or Steroid shots stop working

• If steroid injections failed, other types of injections might be considered, such as:
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses your body's own platelets to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Adds lubrication to joints for osteoarthritis.
  • Trigger Point Injections: Target muscle knots causing pain.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): A device is implanted to send mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals.
• Intrathecal Pain Pumps: A device that delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid.

I got one in my wrist in January. It didn't help immediately, but I started seeing dramatic improvement within a week or so.

I got one in my shoulder a year ago. It didn't help at all.

I had them in the past in my back. They worked at first, but after a few times I had diminishing return for the trouble. They had to do them under xray because they put the needle into my spine. I found out acupuncture helps me for this now along with pain gel.

For my wrist, that doctor said I could only have a few because of potential damage from the shot to the surrounding tissue. The first shot was good, but when it came back I decided to have carpel tunnel surgery & I haven't regretted it.

My husbands knees were bone-on-bone before his replacements & they gave him injections of hyaluronic acid that was made from chicken combs at that time. Those gave him some relief & he finally decided to have the surgery.

I've been getting cortisone shots every couple of years for my partial right knee
The last one I got was last July, it did help,so I could walk without any pain

I get one in my knee about once a year. It helps tremendously.

I was told that this was the best course of action (for now) as surgery would accelerate arthritis. And at this infrequent use, the harmful effects of the cortisone would be minimal.

Shot placement is critical. I have had shots from other doctors in the past that achieved very little.

moviequeen1 said:

I've been getting cortisone shots every couple of years for my partial right knee
The last one I got was last July, it did help,so I could walk without any pain

Click to expand...

an update, I've made appt to have another cortisone shot in my right knee in a couple of weeks

jujube said:

I got one in my wrist in January. It didn't help immediately, but I started seeing dramatic improvement within a week or so.

I got one in my shoulder a year ago. It didn't help at all.

Click to expand...

I got one in each knee October before last. The right knee was pretty painless .. but when they stuck the injection in my left knee the pain was indescribable.. I don't know what they hit, but jeez I would never want to feel pain like that again.

However within 2 weeks.. my knees were almost like new again, and for about 6 months I was able to drive walk up and downstairs,, even run without any pain.... now I'm waiting for a new kneecap in my right knee..

hollydolly said:

I got one in each knee October before last. The right knee was pretty painless .. but when they stuck the injection in my left knee the pain was indescribable.. I don't know what they hit, but jeez I would never want to feel pain like that again.

However within 2 weeks.. my knees were almost like new again, and for about 6 months I was able to drive walk up and downstairs,, even run without any pain.... now I'm waiting for a new kneecap in my right knee..

Click to expand...

I was told that if it hurts really, really bad, they've put the needle in the right place, where it will do the most good. Who knows?

Have had them, they work temporarily. As Hollydolly stated, you can't keep getting them.

jujube said:

I was told that if it hurts really, really bad, they've put the needle in the right place, where it will do the most good. Who knows?

Click to expand...

I don't know if that's true because the 2 doctors adminstering them.. one doctor and asistant actually.. were surprised that I had such a reaction.. it literally shot me out of my seat and they had to push me back down...