Steroid knee injection

[Roltuba]

Had fluid aspiration and a steroid injection in my swollen knee this morning. Now I feel years younger all over! It may just be euphoria because the knee feels so much better, but does anyone know if the steroid is absorbed into my body - or if it might be pred and how much? Should have asked..... don’t suppose it will last, but if only....

[Raven1955]

I would expect that you are enjoying the great feeling courtesy of your first cortisone shot. Hard to tell how long the effectiveness of the cortisone will last. The first one, from my experience, is the most effective and lasts the longest - many weeks or even months if one is lucky. I had a number of cortisone shots over time but each one was less effective for a shorter period of time than the previous one.

[Pollyanna16]

I certainly got the benefit of feeling good after a steroid injection in the knee. Sadly it only lasted a couple of days. The knee is generally happier though!

[Josieswolf]

I had a steroid injection into my knee and the dr said it would have a slight systemic effect. So enjoy whilst it lasts. X

[Lochy]

I’ve had two in left knee and one in right along with fluid being aspirated. Huge and immediate relief. Swelling definitely returning as is the pain but definitely lasted a few months and it doesn’t feel as bad as before! Not sure I noticed any systemic effect apart from the euphoria of no knee pain.

[stellafmdm]

Don't know Roltuba, but I had mine done this a.m. as well and am walking much better but with instructions to use a stick!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The steroid is probably methyl prednisolone and yes, some is absorbed though it is difficult to say how much. It isn't unusual for patients to have a steroid shot for a joint problem and to realise those other aches and pains have disappeared too - and for a PMR diagnosis to be the result!

Bear in mind though that part of the knee-miracle is because the shot is administered together with a local anaesthetic. How well they work for joints varies - much more reliable for soft-tissue use such as for bursitis.

[jinasc]

One, I had GCA and started on 60mg. I then developed pseudo gout in the knee within 3 month's

So I am asking, if you don't mind, why you needed the injection?

I developed pseudo gout within 3 months of starting on 60mg or pred.

Turned out nothing to do with the pred, it was caused by too much calcium, as when first diagnosed put straight onto Calichew, no-one had checked if I needed it or the extra Vit D.

A lesson learned meant that I dropped all 'just in cases' and told them, if I run into a problem we will deal with it. I must admit both GP and Rheumy were a bit taken aback, but as I told them, my body, my decision, we got along fine over the next five years and we became a team.

[Roltuba in reply to jinasc]

All I can say is that about 3 months ago my right knee swelled up for a week and recovered. Almost immediately after, my left knee swelled up but didn't spontaneously get better over a couple of months so that's why I took it to the Doctor. I had been on a DSNS pred reduction from 10 mg down to 7 over about a year when the right knee played up and got better. Regarding my Left knee I'm inclined to think I might have damaged a tendon by some enthusiastic gardening, so there might be a more obvious cause rather than a link to pred reduction. However, the Doctor has not ventured a cause so this is purely conjecture on my part. Regards.

[Perkey]

Yes me too had injection in kneee and feel great but have had it before and it does wear off unfortunately and you can’t keep having them 4 a year my rheumi says. However will enjoy whilst it works 🤸🏽‍♂️😄

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Perkey]

3 a year in Dorset! Perhaps we’re a hardy bunch (excuse the pun!)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Or have delicate tendons ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

I don’t think I have delicate anythings!!!

[Yellowbluebell]

I had injections into shoulder joint prior to my ops and the first one was fantastic and lasted months but all subsequent ones were very short lived.