Dodgy knees and steroid injections

jojo03

Hello All,

I've got rheumatoid arthritis, mainly affecting my knees. I usually have a flare-up at this time of year, when one of my knees becomes swollen and, most noticably this year, quite unstable. I had a check-up with my consultant about a month ago just as the flare-up started and told him I didn't feel very confident walking, even with my stick, because my knee felt like it was giving way. He said this was probably because of the fluid, even though there wasn't a lot of fluid on my knee despite the flare-up.

He said he could give me a steroid injection, which I didn't take at the time because I was due to go back to work. Also, I've had injections years ago, and didn't particularly feel the benefit from them.

Things haven't improved much though in the last few weeks, and now I'm wondering if the injection might be a good idea after all. Has anyone else had this feeling of instability in the knee joints, and has a steriod injection helped at all?

I'd be grateful for your thoughts and comments.
Hope you're all feeling relatively well now that the weather has improved a little!

Jo x.

mrsdalloway

Hi Jo I have been through what you have my knee became unstable about 3 years ago. Have they x-rayed it to see if any damage? If not I would push for that as not sure whether fluid would make knee wobbly. I have had steroid injections in quite a few places and where there is only swelling they really help, however, if there is damage they won't much. Don't want to suggest anything else as don't want to freak you out, but if you want to chat further feel free to p.m. me. Mrs D x

joanlawson

Hi Jo

I've got OA in my knees, not RA, but the result is probably similar, with swelling and pain. Also, I was walking down the stairs one day when my left knee suddenly completely gave way, and I had to sit down on the stairs for ages in real agony before I could move.

I had the fluid drained and a steroid injection in my knee. This worked very well, and I was almost pain free, but it only lasted about 6 weeks, and then it was as bad as ever. Since then, I've had an arthroscopy op. but was told that I will need a TKR.

Joan

jojo03

Hi - thanks Mrs D and Joan for your replies.

Mrs D - my knees are certainly damaged and have been for years. At my last appointment the consultant really pressed into my knee joints (what good fun that was!) to check the bone structure. I know a TKR is on the cards, but he's keen for me to hold on for as long as possible. And also, I'm absolutely terrified at the thought of it!

Joan - yes, it sounds very similar to your experience with the knee giving way which is extremely painful. I don't mind if the effects of the injection don't last more than a few weeks, it may be just enough to get a bit of confidence back. I just don't want the injection to aggravate the joint instead of helping it.

Thanks again for your comments - this is alway the best place to come for helpful, realistic advice!

Take care all,
Jo x.

mrsdalloway

Ooh I winced when you said about the prodding yes definitely been there! Please don't be worried about tkr I had one in '06 and was best thing ever! Well not quite had better days out but you know what I mean! They left me with my leg bent for 18 months and the result is that even after tkr it still won't bend fully and have to come downstairs sideways. Went in for arthroscopy first and surgeon said was as he thought bone on bone and knackered his words, no medical terminology there, lol. Anyway like I say please don't worry but word of advice depending on your age you may have to argue for it and it is better to catch it sooner than later. I was told at the age of 35, virtually bent double, to come back when I was 50!! Won't tell you my husbands response to that as it isn't printable. If you need anymore info let me know. x