How long do Cortisone injections last?

[Frankiefocus]

I got mine last week in both soulders but last night and today I can feel the usual pains in the front of my shoulders when I lift even the kettle to make a cuppa. I thought they would last like at least 3 months....

[Kalimers65]

In August I had both my knees drained of inflammation and then a steroid shot in each of them. I couldn’t take tablets because my haemoglobin was low. My consultant cheerfully said I’d get relief for 6 to 12 weeks. I initially felt quite a bit of relief ( 5 hours ) but after 6 days I was almost as bad. Two years ago she persuaded me to have a steroid shot and it didn’t make any difference at all.Steroids thin your skin and can contribute to osteoporosis so I’m refusing them now. Not to mention it’s depressing when nothing much happens.

[Pippy25 in reply to Kalimers65]

I know for some they appear to work and give relief which is a great thing if this is the case, but I am the same as you. I also have had my knee drained twice and given steroid injection....and like you a few hours of a bit of relief and then just as bad. Have also had one in my btm and the same happened no relief at all. I guess it is an individual thing and what works for one wont for another so would not wish to put anyone off from making their own mind up but I don't think they work for me.

[Kalimers65 in reply to Pippy25]

It’s so disappointing isn’t it because by the time you get to that stage you’ve suffered quite a bit and the consultant is hopeful as well. Onward and upward.

[Neonkittie17]

They should ideally last longer. Sorry to hear they have not been so long lasting for you. They don’t always work the same way for everyone. One in my knee lasts 9 months for me but I know someone who is back to pain and stiffness after a couple of months when they have the same. Please tell your consultant. They need to know and think of your pain relief.

[Kalimers65 in reply to Neonkittie17]

I did tell themNeonkittie 17. I’m borderline osteoporosis and each time this happens I feel I’m less borderline.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Kalimers65]

Just wish it had worked for you 😑

[Kalimers65 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Yes me too and all the other people.

[woodstar1]

Sorry you're in pain, sadly they don't really work for me. They only give me a few days relief at best, I guess we are all different.

[essexgirl]

Mine took 7 days to kick in every morning I’d wake up open my eyes and move to see if it’s working & now it’s good my rhuemy said it can last up to 3 months ... it just depends on the person to be honest , hopefully yours will kick in soon fingers crossed 🤞

[Fifelassieo in reply to essexgirl]

I had a guided steroid injection in my shoulder 7 days ago but l am still in pain, l have had one before in the other shoulder it worked really well and l had about a year pain free. I notice it took 7 days for yours to kick in, l am still hoping it works.

[essexgirl in reply to Fifelassieo]

Yh it did and after that it’s been good , overdone things and paid for it in swelling hand 😩 hope yours kicks in soon

[Deniseelk]

Everyone can vary. It is early days so do try and be a little careful not to overdo things to allow the steroid to get to work. If I were you I would give it a few more days and if you find things are deteriorating back again contact your Rheumatologist as they may wish to re-do it. With mine ( in my finger) my second one given shortly after the first was done by a guided ultrasound and the second was a total success.

[rab1874]

I had my elbow joint done 3 weeks ago and touch wood no problems so far

[charisma]

Varies for each person. Never helped me for long when given as ‘whole body’ but a bit better directly into joints in wrists. Still not as long as three months though, less than half that time.

[Buckybri]

About three weeks for me but what an amazing three weeks but now on biological meds I’m so much better movement wise in my knees but I feel like crap all the time but I guess that’s the way it is . And I now ache all over but at least I can walk

[Ruth12345]

I have had quite a few and have worked from average to excellent. The ones that have worked better are the ones where I've rested the joint for 36 to 48 hours. I feel for those of you have not had good results.

[helenlw7]

I’ve had one in my knee and one in my ankle. On past results they last between 3 and 4 months.

[Hidden]

Did you rest for 24 hours after the injections to kerp the steroid in the joints?