Steroid injection in your hand or wrist

[sabrejan]

Hi does it hurt a lot to have steroid injection in your hand/wrist. Rheumatology mentioned going on biological. I am on sulfa and leflunomide but my hand'wrist always very painful and swollen and both knees. The medication helps as used to be on methotrexate and couldn't tolerate tablets or injections made be very down and feeling sick. Have RA appointment next week I'm a baby so scared have avoided the injection in my hand since 2017 when I was first diagnosed. I had a knee drain and steroid injection to the knee joint with no pain relief that has frightened me as very little skin in your hands.

[rab1874]

I’ve had a few in my hands and there’s a wee nip but nothing serious, I’m same my hands knees and feet are my major problems, I’m on mtx 20mgs and agenita a biologic bisomar of Humira

[sabrejan in reply to rab1874]

Thank you I have pain in my knees and other hand now too so guess I will have to have a few injections. Will try not to think about it. I have always been scared of needles from a child I used to faint x

[Deniseelk in reply to sabrejan]

They allowed me to lie on bed so that helps you to relax a bit more!

[Deniseelk]

I have had two into my finger. Second was great success as it was done under ultrasound ( guided). It is more a very strange sensation when the fluid goes in ( sort of fizzing) but can’t say it’s painful as they apply a gel before which is very cold and somewhat numbs the area. It’s pretty quick and for the little discomfort the outcome of reduced swelling far outweighs it! What I wasn’t told was that you should rest the area for day or two to let the steroid work. It’s possible it will feel a little worse following 2-3 days then improvement day by day! Be brave and you will be pleased for the results!

[PINKY246 in reply to Deniseelk]

I really like the encouragement you gave Sabrejan.

Good luck and be brave

[Diaema in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi Deniseelk

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m consudering having injections in my fingers as sometime they get locked « trigger finger » syndrome and are so painful. But I was just a bit dubious about the result. How long did the effect last on your fingers?

Thanks!

[A234 in reply to Diaema]

I’ve had this done twice and waiting to have it done again, it is successful at the time but in my case it only lasts about 4 or 5 months.

I would have it done if I were you 🙂

[Diaema in reply to A234]

Thank you so much for sharing. I feel I might give it a go. I have been diagnosed six month ago and doctors are still figuring out which treatment works. I am on methotrexate and just about to start on new meds as well. So hopefully it will all be ore manageable soon! 4-5 months seems like a reasonable amount of time. I hope your symptoms will get better!

[Deniseelk in reply to Diaema]

The second one ( guided) was done last August ( it did give me a massive headache for the rest of the day.... maybe I was a little uptight anyway) and it has pretty much been fine since. There have been the odd day here or there that it plays up a little ( more when I have used my hands a lot) but only lasts the day so I am very happy!

[sabrejan in reply to Deniseelk]

Thank you for your kind response will try not to think about it. I'm getting worse so by the time my appointment comes I won't care what they do. It's part of life now isn't it if you have RA. X

[mickys1504]

I've had the one in the wrist before. Worked for me. It didn't hurt as much I thought it would. The ones in the knees make me want to jump off the bed. Twice they have caught my vein resulting in bleeding and bruising not have those again. Good luck and don't worry.

[sabrejan in reply to mickys1504]

Thank you for your support I'm getting worse so will let them do what they need to. I can rest up after as I'm going to see my mum so she will look after me x

[Callabag64]

Steroid injections into the smaller joints always a little bit more painful, but the result of less pain will be worth it. Bite the bullet, just for some relief. Good luck

[sabrejan in reply to Callabag64]

Thank you for your response much appreciated I will try to be brave x

[helixhelix]

I’ve had them and there is an “ouchy” moment, but they work so well for me it’s worth it. Guided injections are better- so if that’s an option do chooses it

[sabrejan in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you I will try to think of something nice when they do the injection. I am at my mums then for a couple of nights so will rest up x

[Downtime]

I’ve had them in my hands/ wrist for carpal tunnel and as others say it’s not pleasant but it’s not awful. A bit ouchy when the needle goes in but only takes a few seconds. Certainly worth it for the relief!

[sabrejan in reply to Downtime]

Thanks for the honesty I will look away and try to be brave. Us with RA have no choice do we. Going to my mums for a couple of days after so she will spoil me x

[Ruth12345]

Same as others had them in a number of joints and some had 3 times all ouchy, but for me so worth it.

[sabrejan in reply to Ruth12345]

Ouchy aaaaarrrhh I will try and be brave just hope I don't faint. What am I like having a baby was much worse lol. Having a couple of days with mum after it so will just think about that and her lovely cooking x

[Ruth12345 in reply to sabrejan]

If you have had a baby this is nothing. Really I found I felt it and a fleeting ouch and all good. Dont forget to take it easy afterwards. I didnt with one injection and the benefit was about 20% of every other one ive had. All the best, enjoy your time with your mum.

[Nitrobunny]

I think much of it depends on the skill of the physician. I’ve been fortunate to experience very little pain in small joint injections, in some cases none.

[dozzer15]

Hi I've had one into the joint in my thumb and didn't find it painful. The consultant sprayed it first to numb it and I had to wear a splint for a while afterwards but it was fine x

[dbestdeb]

For me, the RA pain is way worse than the quick nick of a needle. I don’t mind the steroid injections or the biologic stick. I’d rather not have the awful pain in my day to day living.

[Mmrr]

I had the base of my thumb injected with steroids and found it virtually painless. I had some aching from the joint the following day, but no big problems.

[Joy_1]

Hi

I had a steroid injection in my wrist back in 2015 followed by a second near my thumb. Neither hurt at all. My consultant told me they were using super sharp needles now.

Issue cleared up in 48hrs!!

[sharon6768]

I have had 3 in my wrist. First two were not bad, but 3rd one hurt the entire time of the injection! Ironically, the first 2 didn't do much for my pain, but that 3rd one has lasted going on 11 months now. Maybe the pain of the injection and the results mean the doctor has hit the "bullseye" with the needle. jmho

[craigsif]

Hi Sabrejan, nope its fine a bit uncomfortable. But not finger in door jam, or one time Hand under hood! Of a ford explorer, I did explain to the lady doing mine ,that needles and me just dont get along, she laughed and then explained what was going to happen ,and gave me pain relief. Yes there is a feeling of pressure,but no omg. Your not the only one who really isnt keen.

Speak to the person doing it, explaining what and why, if they're good they will understand. If you think they are not listening or ignoring you, tell them to stop. Warmest Craig

[sabrejan]

Aw thank you will try and be brave. I'm getting worse so by end of week will be grateful for pain relief

[Nuttyshirlz]

I’ve had message off my nurse saying I will be getting it done on my next appointment. I’m also worried about it but hopefully it will make my hands less painful. So that’s the way I’m looking at it. If it helps with the pain I’m going shut my eyes lol good luck with yours

[sabrejan in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

Sounds like a plan for me too. But I bet you I will chicken out last minute. My right/wrist hand now looks awful so guess got no choice.

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to sabrejan]

I’ve got it in both of mine. I’m hoping it’s like my first one up bum that last 6 months but one after it only last a week lol

[Bojedo]

Sabrejan, you will get something to numb the area first. So, as others have said, you will not feel too much. I find a spot on the wall to focus on and do my breathing exercises. As for my thoughts - I am so confident that this is going to help relieve the hurt in the joint. I only think (and picture in my mind) the future benefit of life with less hurt. I don’t get caught up in the happenings going on in the room, or to my wrist!

I’ve had injections in my spine where they have gone in and had to turn the corner. It took about a dozen attempts to get to the right spot. Partway through I was asked if I wanted to stop the procedure. I said, NO WAY!

I was definitely not comfortable, but that injection was too important to my future.

Craig is right. Let them know of your apprehension before the procedure. They can be more supportive and helpful for you. Maybe you’ll get extra blankets! 🙂

[sabrejan in reply to Bojedo]

I am put off as when I had my knees drained they gave me no pain relief, I am ready for it this time I will ask and wait for the numbness to set in and pray lol

[Bojedo in reply to sabrejan]

I so hope this gives you relief this time. It is a quandary to me that there are some people report instant pain relief, yet for me it has always been slow improvement over a few weeks. We are infinitely different. Just know that there are so many of us on this forum cheering for you!

[LauraJM]

I've had a few in the area between my index and middle fingers on both hands, as this is where I seem to flare up. It hurts when being done but is worth it for the almost instant relief which lasts.

[DolaAnn]

I have been getting these shots in multiple joints for many years . Like any shot , it stings for a moment …….but it doesn't last and it's no worse than any other needle . So worth it for inflammation and pain relief !!!