Hi
has anyone had a local steroid injection at the same time as being on a course of prednisolone tablets ?
I wondered if this was a common occurrence ?
and why bother with the local steroid injection whilst on a course of prednisolone steroids anyway ?
there must be some reasons for and against doing both at the same time.
does anyone have any experience of this ?
many thanks
I have. I’ve been on oral steroids for many years, but during that time I’ve had injections in my knees, shoulders, my left ankle and my left wrist and thumb.
ok thanks, I assume you are on low dose oral steroids <7.5mg daily?
I’m on 10mg at the moment but was on various higher doses.
Hi, not a local steroid injection, but I have had a systemic injection while also prescribed oral steroids because the tablets weren't having enough effect. The nurse doing the injection told me it was quite unusual to have both at the same time, but it was fine (and helped).
I am taking short courses of oral steroid 5 days every 2 weeks, the first week I took 10mg which helped during the day but the stiffness overnight and in the morning still profound I did have to take paracetamol for pain, after the five days I have been taking an anti inflammatory coxib 30mg daily this does help but still need paracetamol took this for 2 weeks, I’m now on my second course of steroid have increased to 15mg to see if this prolongs how long I’m free of stiffness presently no difference to the 10mg? I thought the steroid would work similarly to the steroid injection which worked wonderfully for appx 6 weeks such a relief. I’ve declined methotrexate as didn’t like the side affects also have read many reviews where people still have to take pain killers still! I was diagnosed 2 years ago and had been just taking supplements, diet and acupuncture, Pilates ,yoga which although recommended is quite limiting with joint pain,limited paracetamol and ibuprofen but unfortunately symptoms are getting worse, unable to get a gp appt paid privately for a consultation who has prescribed this plan for 6 months with a dexascan follow up? I’m at the point of not knowing what to do next, I’m lucky as I’m retired so can take my time in the mornings to get moving but I look like pudsey bear with compression socks and gloves, knee straps, toe dividers, hot and cold packs to get me moving. What is very strange is that I had no RA before the covid vaccines I now have 3 friends diagnosed with RA also after vaccines we are all in our 60s maybe just a coincidence? If anyone has any other ideas that would be great. It helps writing it down.
Hi Krosep21. Sorry to hear your pain. Are you in the UK? If so please ask to speak to GP practice manager as you should not be left in such trouble. Have you had a formal diagnosis of RA?
Did your consultant not offer you many of the drug alternatives to methotrexate? Yes side effects are not uncommon but often ease as your body gets used to them or if not drugs can be changed.
The only thing that does not change is that RA is a progressive disease unless properly treated. While complementary medicines are great in their place they cannot stop RA alone.
This site is supported by NRAS a leading RA charity. It is worth looking at all the information on their website. National Rhumatoid Arthritis Society.
Yes around 60 is a very common age for RA to strike.
I do hope you get proper help soon.
Hi again Krosep21I see there are not other replies for you. I think that is because you wrote this in reply to someone elses question. I think you would get more suggestions if you posted your own question separately. That is done by logging in to Health unlockrd looking for NRAS forum and posting from there.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
This link says there is a possibility of Covid 19 vaccines and onset of new RA,
I’ve been on steroids for 11yr, initially for polymyalgia, then at higher doses for GCA. Whilst on doses of like 20mg, I’ve had injections into my knee and shoulder joints, which gave excellent results. I’m currently on 30mg pred as I am asthmatic and havd a chest infection, which I likely picked up from my frequent hospital trips recently. If my knee issue is still causing concern, I plan to ask my rheumatologist for a steroid injection to help settle it down. I’ve gone from being independent, out browsing shops in town, enjoying walks on the promenade, to bring virtually housebound, which is terrifying at 58.
I have been on preds for over 20 years at various levels and am currently on 4 mg as on filgotinib a JAK inhibitor,which is amazing.Have had injections by rheumy in knee at various times and in wrists,and also an overall injection in bottom,all to give immediate relief from pain.Sometimes oral preds need a bit of a boost from time to time,which I believe is common practice.Good luck.
Totally normal practice. Have been on Pred for 34 years on maintenance dose but now and again my body needs a boost so I’ve either been given a local joint injection or a systemic injection. Trust your rheumatologist! Your disease goes through stages and stress, illnesses and life take their toll so your RA needs dampening down now and again.
I have had this , what strength of steroids are you on?
I was planning to be at a lower dose of 10mg or 5mg of prednisolone when I get the local steroid injection done, I am diabetic so my blood sugar readings will go mad for a while.
Hi Lindyloo, I have been on Prednisolone constantly since 1986, varying doses, currently 5mg daily with extras when I need them, and in that time have had many steroid injections into joints, intramuscular and intravenously. I cannot function on less than 5mg now and often have to up it to 10 or 15 especially if I have to stop Baricitinib for whatever reason like surgery or antibiotics etc. A boost with a local steroid injection has usually been a help to me. Hope it works for you too x
Yes I have, both I/M and joint injections whilst on Prednisolone. They really helped.
Yes in my shoulder n later my heel last month.another heel injection booked for later this month.been on 10mg oral prednisolone since 2012
Hi, please could you tell me if you were asked to stop your prednisolone tablets temporarily when you had the local steroid injection? many thanks
The injection is local to reach that part. No problem with that
What would you do re time to inject your biologic?
New courses of treatment offered advise please
Leflunomide-tablets Rituximab-injections Methotrexate-injections
Pain relief for R.A - alternatives to what I'm using...
Necrotizing scleritis 
Yet another anti-inflamatory!
