[goblue1998]

Has anyone had cortisone shots for their on and then have symptoms worsen. I have had 2 in my foot to help with scar tissue around nerve. After I get them the burning and tingling worsens for the first 2-3 weeks. Including redness and bruising starting after 1st week.

I still have fear of rsd but most docs including pain mgmt don't think it is.

[Littlepaw]

I have just finished a series of injections for this very issue. I have found consistently that symptoms are increased for a period, for me 1-2 weeks, feels kind of like it's just from the increase in local fluid and pressure, mild bruising, etc. We've been following behind with saline to hydrodissect the tissues which are super tight. After that it has settled and made improvements. Definitely watch for atrophy, my injection sites looked good till last one and now I've a got sunk discolored area. Should resolve over time....

[ChaucerFan]

Wow, I just logged on to look for advice about a possible cortisone shot for a damaged tendon in my ankle. I'm reluctant to have this done because in January, a cortisone shot in my knee--also around the tendon--made my pain much worse, for about two months! The orthopedist said he had never known this to happen, but my neuropathy started in that same area. I suspect PN causes some unusual reactions to cortisone. So I'm especially interested in what globular and Littlepaw have experienced. Has the pain gotten better?

[Littlepaw]

Hi ChaucerFan,

My increase in symptoms was temporary and I feel that for me the shots made a big difference in my pain and ability to function. I had a lot of scarring and adhesion gumming things up post-op. That said, not everyone gets a good response like I had and there are risks. Mine were done by a Physical Medicine and rehabilitation doctor with all kinds of certifications in ultrasound techniques. He not only looked at the area ahead of time but used US while guiding the needle and watched where the fluid went. I feel strongly that his training and technique played a role in my outcome. I have had injections in the past not go so well.

***Steroid injections for tendon issues are tricky as the tendon can rupture if steroid is placed in it. steroid placed in the tendon sheath to "bathe" the tendon has less risk and better outcome. find out where they would put it. Also find out what they use - Kenalog has a tendency to crystallize painfully and cause flare. If they don't follow the whole procedure on US find another ortho or PM&R who does.***