steroid injection

[Wolf68]

I had an appointment at the orthopaedic and trauma clinic yesterday and was hoping they would put me on the list for the TKN as I have been in so much pain and been unable to straighten my leg for a couple of months now, however they said that at 55 I am still too young and instead they drew fluid out from the knee and gave me a steroid injection. The doctor told me he had drawn 20 ml of fluid off and could have easily taken another 10 but didn’t want to push things. This did seem to give me some relief and I have been able to straighten my knee when walking a bit more.

I don’t think the steroid has started working yet because my knee has been quite painful during the night I have not slept at all even after taking Zapain twice in the night.

They told me yesterday if this works they will keep doing the same every 3 months because I am too young for a replacement. Has anyone else had similar treatment, if so how successful was it and how long did it last? I’m hoping it starts working soon and I can start to get a bit of life back.

[DorsetLady]

I’ve never had fluid drawn off, but I did have steroid injections. But at that time the criteria was only 3 per year.

I did have a 3 or maybe 4 [cannot remember exactly how many as not that regular], some more successful than others… and was always told to rest knee for 24 hours after injection.

Hope yours is successful

[Runrig01]

Like Dorset lady, I’ve had injections into my knee. I’m 58 and was told the same by orthopaedics when I seen them 4 months ago. I was ann orthopaedic nurse for many years, and am keen to delay, most knee replacements last around 10yrs, and can only be replaced once, due to losing bone in the femur and tibia each time. Each injection gave me nearly a year of relief, but it’s essential to rest the joint for 24hrs afterwards to maximise the effect. The guidance is that you should only have a max of 3 injections a year, as it can damage tendons. I’ve been referred for physio, which is helping. My situation is a little different, as I have an inflammatory arthritis, which has caused my kneecaps to sublux, which has speeded up the wear and tear, so I was seeing orthopaedics regarding any surgery that may be needed, as well as the TKR.

[Wolf68 in reply to Runrig01]

I think the injection started to work after about 4 days. I’ve got much less pain, the swelling has gone down a lot and I can walk reasonably well. I am really pleased with the result and hope it lasts.

One thing I’ve noticed though is I am getting twinges of pain in the front and side of my thigh that I’ve not noticed before. It’s not bothering me too much but I’m just wondering if it’s something to do with the steroid injection or not?

[DorsetLady in reply to Wolf68]

Not sure, but maybe because you aren’t in same pain you are walking slightly differently… see if it wears off.

It doesn’t take much to change your gait -and then the body needs to re-adjust.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Wolf68, think we have spoken before. Unfortunately getting pain under control when younger is a bit hit and miss. So fingers crossed what they have done will feel better in a few days. I had an injection in my knee which lasted a few month. I have also tested the platelet replacement injections. We have a research project going in my area so all things are available as research participents. Some Gps do steroid injections now which makes it cheaper for the NHS . The fluid removed should help a little. Theres also an injection of non steroid that mimics your own joint fluid preventing further damage to the bones& cartilage. Its a maze of treatments these days but replacement joints are still reserved for older patients because the life span of the joint is only around 20 years at maximum, so research is needed into components that last longer . Take care

[Wolf68 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you for the reply, I have had a telephone appointment with my GP today who said they are trying everything to put my knee replacement off until I’m 60 I said I find the thought of living like this until I’m 60 depressing. I have had friends and family suggesting that I should find the money to go private but what do they do differently? Do private knees last longer than NHS knees?

[DorsetLady in reply to Wolf68]

No they don’t last longer, but surgeons are prepared to action at a younger age… and probably replace with another if required. Plus you may well get better after care.. which may extend the life of it?

NHS decision is probably[?] based on cost as much as anything…

[katieoxo60 in reply to Wolf68]

Sorry for late reply but its true private replacement knees don't last any longer just get the implant quicker, but there are treatments for pain that are not available on NHS I believe. Some consultants will operate at younger age privately . But the knee op is one of the most expensive unless you already have private health insurance. The care may be more personal , another option is to look for a research project in your area, most of the UNI s do them and many NHS hospitals. Afraid thats the best options I can recall. So do consider carefully. Best wishes. Have you tried opiod patches ? , I hear they are quite good.

[Wolf68 in reply to katieoxo60]

Hi Katieoxo60 thanks for the reply, I have not tried those patches I will look into it, I am guessing by the name they contain opioids which a lot of the stronger pain killers contain including Zapain but I will find out more about them. Thanks

[DorsetLady in reply to Wolf68]

Not sure you want to go down the opioid patches route, unless the pain is really bad, and there is a chance of becoming addicted. It’s serious stuff, and you need to think carefully about that.

My sister and daughter’s MIL were on them, but they were both considerably older than you are now.