Guided steroid injection in heal

[D_aisy]

Hi all, I've been suffering since last June with what we thought was achillies tendon damage. Throughout this pandemic we have tried lots of physio, stretches and a round of oral steroids which I never intend to take again after feeling somewhat, bonkers?!

I've had a scan this week and been told I have erosion and some serious inflammation in the bursa so they are going to book me for an emergency guided injection. Obviously they've banged on aboht the risks and covid etc but I haven't been able to walk for about 5 months now and it's depressing!

So, who's had one? Is it as bad as it sounds and what's your experience of recurring issues in that same spot?

I'm still new to RA as only a year diagnosed this week!

Any advice appreciated xx

[Summerrain14]

Hi D-aisy. I have had a guided steroid injection into my heal a few years ago. Got me back on my feet in the end and off crutches but I do wish I had taken the advice to rest more afterwards. This was all pre RA diagnosis for me but it did go well so hope it does for you too. It really was over with within five mins and apart from the initial sting it was okay for me. Getting on the bed and laying on my stomach was interesting. 😊. The local anaesthetic worked very quickly. It did work well for me and have not had to have another one. Just rest as much as you can to give the injection time to work it’s full magic would be my main advice. Good luck. Gail x

[D_aisy in reply to Summerrain14]

Thank you Gail, that's literally all I needed to hear. Some positive reassurance! I will definitely rest up after and the sheer thought of not pulling the hand rail off the stairs every time I hoist myself up is wonderful!! X

[Summerrain14 in reply to D_aisy]

Oh so pleased I have been able to give you some positive reassurance. Hope that you have your guided steroid injection soon and it works as well for you as it did me. Do let us know won’t you? x

[D_aisy in reply to Summerrain14]

I will do thank you. There truing to rush it through the system tomorrow because there's talk of our outpatient services being suspended this week as the hospital is overrun with covid cases. Nightmare!! Fingers crossed x

[Nessa28]

I’ve been having steroid injections regularly since august . The consultant told me initially they were concerned you were more at risk after an injection , this now seems not to be the case . Also you sometimes have to weigh up the risk and your quality of life . I have to admit I’m the later every time , if it keeps me moving jab it . Good luck 🤗

[Belle76]

Hi D_aisy I have had 2 guided injections in my wrist both were very different experiences not very comfortable. But they did work for me the first one lasted the longest but I had the injections done in 3 different places on my wrist. Keep off your feet as much as you can for at least 24hrs. I was told not to use my hand for that long. I know different place on your body but I hope it helps x

[CagneysMum]

Hi D-aisy. Since being diagnosed 3 years ago I have had guided injections into my ankles, knees and shoulders. They all hurt to have but the discomfort was over with in a couple of minutes and the benefit was immense for me and lasted for months until my other treatments kicked in to help the problem (methotrexate and Amgevita). I wouldn’t hesitate to have one again if in pain. Each time I rested for 48 hours after (sofa or bed) and did nothing that wasn’t essential ie just to visit the loo and or go upstairs to bed. Fingers crossed it helps you the same.

[bunnycaramel]

As long as it is put in the right place and give you a local injection it should be fine. My last one into my elbow was painless

[Calph]

Hi I have had this in my wrist and I am waiting for another one. The first one I had lasted for eleven months which was very good. I am waiting an appointment for the second one but with how things r not expecting one soon. My consultant said she would prefer me to have COVID vaccine first so not in a rush for appointment although I will be glad to get rid of the pain in my wrist. They gave me 3 guided injections on my wrist and it was fine. I took some paracetamol about 30mins after as it did start to nag a little bit but nothing like the pain in my wrist was. Hope it works as well for u.

Regards

[Madmusiclover]

I’ve had loads of guided and unguided steroid injections. Like you oral steroids make me manic and depressed all at once! Don’t worry a guided steroid injection won’t have same effect. Neither should a subcut injection if you are ever offered one instead of oral steroids. Hope you get some relief and are on your feet again. Repeated injections? It depends. Some I’ve had work just as well, some not quite so well a second or third time.

[D_aisy]

Update : thank you for all of your reassurance the other week. Injection done and I barely felt it. To sit here resting pain free feels amazing. I can't wait to try out my new improved hoof in a few days lol.