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Cortisone shot

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Jack8aonsight · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 5

Have you ever had an intra-articular cortisone shot? I can't heal synovitis in my finger and have been told a cortisone shot would easily break the cycle. I know cortisone is not the best when done near tou tendon but are there side effects in the joint shot?

DrugDoc · · Dix, IL · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 0

There are very few, and rare, side effects, but there are numerous and fairly common, potential complications from a single dose. But yeah, if you are concerned about it, ask for a second opinion. My choice would be to call the Hand Center in Louisville, KY.

Jack8aonsight · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 5

Matthew i already searched for advices but since many orthopedics have opposite opinions about cortisone shot i'm asking for direct testimoniances from the ones who had this treatment. DrugDoc may i ask you what these complications are? Thank you everyone

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276
MatthewASU wrote:You should ask a doctor about potential side effects of a medical treatment, not random strangers on MP.
This.
Jack8aonsight · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 5

I've seen so far 4 ortho (180€ each session) so i'll not see anotherone just to fulfill curiosity. I was wondering if anyone had some corticod into their joint and if everything went fine. So to whoever is going to be the big man saying i should ask professional advice, don't even bother writing because i already know that. Thank you!

claty · · Cornudella de Montsant, Esp… · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 10

I've had 3 cortisone shots directly into the PIP joint in my middle L finger. Provided immediate relief that lasted ~4-6 months. I was told as long as I didn't get more than 2x year my tendons would be OK.

I had either a calcium deposit or a bone chip in my finger. the cortisone was to help with swelling/pain relief and to try to encourage my body to reabsorb the deposit. The cortisone helped substantially with the pain associated with whatever object was lodged in the PIP joint, but in the end after 1.5 years of shots, it hasn't reabsorbed and I'll be having surgery next month. However, I did not have any complications or issues with the shot itself. I was usually climbing within 3 or 4 days after the shot. My home crag is Smith, so I do a lot of hard crimping.

Hopefully since you are dealing with synovitis, you can just get one shot and be on your way.

Aerili · · Los Alamos, NM · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,875

I have had a cortisone injection into a joint in my big toe for a ganglion cyst. It greatly helped the pain and swelling for my problem and allowed me to climb again. I still have problems from time to time with that joint since then (it's been 7 years), but not so bad I need more injections.

Typically cortisone will not damage the tissues if you do not get frequent injections -- I can't remember the time line that is considered safe, but it may be something like no more than 1 injection every six months, and no more than x injections total in any given area. Your doctor can tell you this info.

EthanC · · Bay Area, CA · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 253

In terms of my own synovitis I have actually had remarkable success with contrast baths (alternative icing and heating) coupled with (so far) one week of rest.

I wasn't able to bend my finger for almost two months before I tried this, to where I can now move it without any pain. I still can't climb hard without it acting up but I'm much more optimistic since nothing else I tried made a difference during those two months. Just a thought.

Muscrat · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 3,625

Had a C. shot in my 2nd knuckle of index finger finger, 2+ years ago. Went from unable to bend past 90º to full closure. It is not permanent, but a real relief. As stated earlier, do not exceed 5/6 times, and do not use it as a panacea.
¢.02

J Q · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 50
MatthewASU wrote:You should ask a doctor about potential side effects of a medical treatment, not random strangers on MP.
Lol, if You ask a mechanic if you need a tune up he will always say yes. Doctors are simply glorified mechanics. It's a great idea to seek opinions from other sources as well. The worst medical advice I have received has been from doctors, the second worse from had man climbers.
Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266
MatthewASU wrote:You should ask a doctor about potential side effects of a medical treatment, not random strangers on MP.
Asking others for their experience with medical treatment is excellent advice, many doctors would agree.
highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35

I've had 4 (over about 2 years) in my right sacroiliac joint, about 18 years ago. I still have less issue on that side than the left. It effectively loosened up the area and it no longer gets stuck out of place as often.

I've had 3 in my right big toe due to climbing shoe arthritis. About one shot every 18 months and it keeps me mobile. The toe still sucks though.

I've had one in my crooked ring finger that reduced the swelling bit didn't straighten it out.

Overall I'd say it doesn't hurt and sometimes helps a lot. If you don't do it too much, it's fine. Unless you have one of the rare adverse reactions.

Jack8aonsight · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 5

Thank you everyone your informations will help me very much! Yeah repetitive shots can be dangerous but i'm planning to do just one for each interphalangeal joint as many said one shot should end my problem. I'm doing contrast baths too but my real problem is that it never was really debilitating (i always had full range of motion) and like a cunt i am i went on crimping for like 7 months and now it's hard to make it go away with conservative treatment (i've been at restfor 3 months because i was scared). One of the best hand doctors for climbing in EU suggested me this treatment also if my personal hand surgeon and hand therapyst told me to get on climbing and to heal without corticosteroids but it would take 6 months at least!!!!!!!! So as i'm going crazy i'm asking everyone i can about cortisone since i've heard only bad things about it! Thank you everyone for your help, i'll post if i'll do a shot and if it'll solve the problem! Happy climb!!

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

Jack- i have had several cortisone injectionc, though never in the hand/finger. The results depend on the severity of injury,, a damaged knee joint won't get much help. A flare up in your finger could be just the thing..

One thing I have found though, if it doesn't work the first time it won't work the second time.

My Docs encourage me to ask questions,, from other medical people as well as lay people. if a Doc doesn't encourage question, find another asap

Jack8aonsight · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 5

Thank you john!

Kasra Emamjomeh · · San Antonio, TX · Joined Mar 2022 · Points: 1

Hello Jack, did you end up getting the shot? If so, how was your experience?

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276
Kasra Emamjomeh wrote:

Hello Jack, did you end up getting the shot? If so, how was your experience?

Are you a bot? Methinks so.

Jack hasn't been on MP in six years.

Andy Eiter · · Madison, WI · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 276

I got a cortisone injection in a knuckle that had been inflamed and kept me from climbing for about a year. That shot was the most intense moment of pain I may have ever experienced. Looking at my finger afterwards, I fainted. I was back to climbing a month later. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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