Steroid injection in big toe joints

Pain and swelling in big toe joints caused by RA are restricting my ability to walk well. I take omega 3 oil, have bespoke insoles and wear wide low lace ups to accommodate padding to protect the joints and alleviate the pain. My gait is “off” as I walk to favour my right knee and hip affected by RA and I’m still limping on the left following severe rupture of the calf muscles which went untreated during Covid.

Has anyone had steroid injections in their feet for RA issues and if so please let me know the results you experienced, thank you.

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi, have had very successful steroid injections into most of my toes in the past. Hurts a bit but worth it for the pain relief which follows and if you’re lucky will last a good long time. Very good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you, I expect to have to wait at least a year to get them and certainly will be in dire need by then. Podiatrist said surgery is the the next option but I’m holding out for the injection. May I ask how often they need repeated?

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to Hidden]

I think it entirely depends on how well you respond. If you’ve ever had an injection of cortisone you’ll remember that sometimes it lasts a good long time - months - but sometimes it doesn’t and it only gives relief for a week or three. Very unpredictable - just like RA! I haven’t had any foot problems for a while but I think the injection for me lasted about four months but by then my biologic had started to work very well and I haven’t needed foot injections since. Hope, when you finally get them sorted, and hopefully not a whole year’s wait (😲) you get some relief. Not much worse than foot pain - apart from all the other bits that hurt!

[Hidden in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Really useful thank you

[helenlw7]

I had a steroid injection in my big toe about 6 months ago and it still pain free, it was more painful to inject than other joints I’ve had done!

[Hidden in reply to helenlw7]

Good to know thanks

[summer32A]

Yes for Morton's neuroma.abit painful akin to a dental injection but well worth a try please remember to stay off feet as much as possible for two days to allow steroid to work which I did this time

[Hidden in reply to summer32A]

Thank you, rest afterwards does seem to be the key. Was your relief long lasting ?

[summer32A]

At moment yes my first attempt I walked straight away not a good idea yes it's doing good they inject through the top of the foot

[Porcs]

Yes,steroid injections in feet work well

[Knit12]

Yes I have a very long time ago, and more recently in between my fingers. I won’t lie it hurts for 10seconds but is well worth it for the relief I felt. Hope it helps you x

[Sara2022]

2 injections into top of foot a couple of weeks ago, amazing!

[Hidden in reply to Sara2022]

Thank you, very encouraging responses on this topic, just a pity it’s a years waiting time.