Steroid injection pain

Pen53
Pen53 Member Posts: 3
in Living with arthritis

HI, I joined yesterday after looking online for some advice after a steroid injection in my knees earlier in the week- this site was also recommended in the patient information leaflet I was given.

I'm now on day 6 since the injection and so far it's felt good - there was no pain initially and much less discomfort generally which made moving around much easier. I followed the advice and rested as much as possible for 3 days afterwards, ventured out on day 4 for a short drive to local shops and a brief wander round before coming home and putting feet up again.

Then yesterday, day 5, I went for our usual Saturday walk with the family. Nothing strenuous, frequent rests, using my hiking poles for stability, but every so often felt intense sharp pain which stopped me in my tracks! It persisted the rest of the day, only when walking, eased overnight but back again as I moved more during today. It is very localised to the injection site. My son says it's to be expected as I've had a large needle put into a joint - but I don't know if this is a delayed steroid flare or if the injection has made things worse rather than better! It's only in one knee and the general discomfort I used to feel hasn't returned.

Apologies for long first post but wanted to make everything clear!

Tagged:

Comments

  • Arthuritis
    Arthuritis Member Posts: 521

    @Pen53 I had injections in one of my finger joints in each hand after i suffered a localised flare up during a 2 year period of remission. This happened a month after I suffered a stroke. Hospital told me flare ups are known to occur after such an event. Like something went wrong in the brain and sent inflammatory signals to specific nerves controlling the hands! The injection hurt a lot, took a month to settle, but was great after. 6 months later the injection site in one hand has started to have that “point” sharp pain, brief but enough to remind you it was once a bigger pain. I guess you could ask for an ultrasound check, MRI is better but expensive and they won’t want to do it on balance of probability. Ultrasound is cheap, so good even if it’s just to stop the stress or stress triggered flares.

  • Pen53
    Pen53 Member Posts: 3

    Thanks @Arthuritis - it does seem to be settling a bit, certainly the pain hasn't been as severe today although it has got a bit sharper again this evening. They did say it would get worse before it would get better but I expected it to get worse within a couple of days not after nearly a week! Anyway - will see how it goes over the next week (they also told me it could take up to two weeks to feel the full benefit) and hoping it was just the follow-up to the injection and will continue to calm down. Suppose I just have to be patient! Thanks again for the advice!

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,156

    Hi @Pen53 @and welcome to the online community,

    It’s good to know that you found us through a variety of means - the forum is made up of members who all live with arthritis so there’s usually someone who has experience of similar symptoms and can suggest possible solutions or give some reassurance.

    You might like to read the attached info from the Versus Arthrutis website about steroid injections.It outlines some of the side effects and risk factors, and as you say, generally pain should diminish after a few days. It might be worth getting in touch with your GP or Rheumatologist if possible if the pain continues, especially if your leg becomes swollen or hot.

    https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/steroid-injections/

    Best wishes,

    Anna ( Moderator)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Pen53
    Pen53 Member Posts: 3

    Hi @Anna , thanks for the attachment - following a link to the info page was another way I found you!

    I've been checking for swelling or redness in case of infection but everything is fine except for the intermittent sharp pain. I'll see how it goes over the next few days and try to contact my rheumatologist if it doesn't improve.

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 1,156

    Well I’m glad you found us whichever way you travelled!

    Hopefully other members will come along soon to share their experiences.

    Anna

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


Categories