Injection in knee

[TeresaMay]

I have arthritis in my left knee. The GP is suggesting I have an injection to ease the pain. My lymphoedema is worse in my left leg. Should I refuse?

[Lynora]

You should be OK - many of my clients have had successful steroid treatments for arthritis and not incurred infection.

[BedfordBoy in reply to Lynora]

Hi, I've just had a cortisone injection into my arthritic knee, which also has lymphedema. I was in severe pain even with my strong Naproxen and Tramodol. They tried hard to talk me out of it and gave me the impression that I just had to "suck it up" and stop moaning.But I stuck to my guns and pushed hard to get it.

I was told to lose weight and that would ease the pain in my knee! They didn't seem to understand that my mobility was hampered and minimised any weight loss by dieting alone.

I had the injection along with the mandatory advice of do's and dont's, and after a few days of having it, was in the gym on a weight loss programme. I am much happier now and I am carefully building up the strength in my knee and I'm noticing some health improvements elsewhere already. I feel more positive than before and there's some light at the end of the tunnel now, so I'm so glad that I had the injection. No issues with infection and I don't limp as much when I walk. My message is, push for the injection and make good use of the benefits it gives you.

[kHP22]

they always say not to have injections into a limb that’s damaged , not always for the risk of infection but also that it could make the lymphoedema worse . In 2019 I had a total knee replacement in a very large lymphoedema leg and was incredibly nervous about it as the excision was lengthy and it was traumatic but I’m pleased to say that it healed well and I had no infection or extra swelling . The only adaptation I’ve had was an extra section added into my compression garment over the knee cap to relieve the pressure in that area . My main thought in your situation would be to ensure that your doctor understands lymphoedema and the possible after effects of the injections and steroids so they can monitor it carefully . As Lynora says patients with lymphoedema have had injections for arthritis but I’m always wary . My consultant gives me mine in my bottom so that it bypasses the actual joint and the damaged limb . Perhaps ask if this is a possibility .

[TeresaMay in reply to kHP22]

Thank you for the info.

[Purplelover94]

Hi Teresa, I had an injection for arthritis in my right knee 2 weeks ago and my lymphodema has disappeared! I mean completely! I googled it and found a thread on here where someone reported the same which is why I joined this chat forum today. Other people have reported the same although they say that it comes back but I’ve had 2 weeks free of lymphodema which is a blessed relief .

[TeresaMay in reply to Purplelover94]

Another doctor at the practice declined to give an injection and referred me to exercise lessons. Condition improved. We will see how it goes!