Can I get a cortisone shot in affected arm?

doxie · February 2016

I had a cortisone shot for trigger thumb, then a year later surgery. Major pain relieved both times. Each time I had some swelling due to the pain, which could only have been LE. I have mild truncal and upper arm LE. I also had swelling after surgery.

I've since healed without any problems. As with my thumb, the shoulder pain could trigger LE.

donsuzbee · April 2016

Sorry to have to post this but I ended up with shoulder infringement after working on a Christmas project several years ago. Oncologist referred me to rheumatologist after A a routine PET scan lit up like the night sky. But met was ruled out. Rheumatologist recommended steroid injection. I discussed my left with him but he did not think it would be a problem. Thinking the Doctor must know I had the injection. 2 weeks later spent 4 days in hospital with cellulitis being treated with IV antibiotics.

crystalphm · April 2016

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, I too am trying to decide if I should get a shot or not. My LE therapist says absolutely not. But oh, the shoulder pain is intense at times.

So much to learn after cancer...and with LE. Thanks.

Katiejane · September 2016

Chrystalphm, Did you have the cortisone injection for your shoulder???? What type of results did you have? I hope it was a positive outcome for you! Katiejane

Jenwith4kids · September 2016

I had a cortisone shot in my LE arm for frozen shoulder. Absolutely no issues and I once again have full range of motion. I choose to take the risk and I'm glad I did.

slv58 · September 2016

I had a shot in the back of my shoulder of affected arm for frozen shoulder also.I got great relief from it and 6 months later I still have no problems. The pain I had from my shoulder was keeping me awake at night and I dislike taking pain meds daily. I know it was a risk but at that point I was willing to try.

ChiSandy · September 2016

I had a cortisone shot for trigger thumb in my LE arm. I did not get any relief until almost 8 weeks later, a week after I scheduled my upcoming tendon release surgery for this coming Tues. (The triggering, when it still happens, is much milder and more fleeting, but there is always the chance the cortisone would wear off before my next concert and a second shot not kick in until too late--and for a month, my triggering was worse and more painful than before). But I didn’t get an LE flare.

My LE specialist (Dr. Joseph Feldman, a pioneer in the field and a founder of LANA) says both the shot and the surgery are fine as long as infection control is scrupulous and there is no tourniquet. My surgeon is a hand/arm orthopedist, experienced in dealing with patients with arm & hand LE (and is part of and operating in a hospital in the same system as my cancer and breast center), whereas the one who did my left thumb 7 yrs. ago was a plastic surgeon who operated out of his own office surgicenter.

ChiSandy · September 2016

Update: I decided at the last minute (had already been admitted to Ambulatory Surgery) against the trigger-thumb surgery. They kept insisting (contrary to what my surgeon had told me—he'd said I could take a Xanax and just get regional/local block) that I would have to have I.V. twilight sedation and that they would be able to find a vein without a problem. Scrub nurse said absolutely not—and I should insist that only the anesthesiologist attempt to start the I.V. I am an extremely "difficult stick:” even with the Accu-Vein lamp, it took 5 stabs to get my Zometa infusion started last month. Having only one arm available for these things does give one a whole new perspective.

Meanwhile, my thumb wasn't triggering. I refused to do anything or sign anything till I saw the surgeon. He came in, held my thumb at the base while I flexed the joint, and said “Nope, I don't think you need the surgery right now. It's a 'lifestyle surgery' and your triggering may not come back—and if it does and you can't stand it, we can always try another shot or reschedule." I apologized, and he said, “No problem—I was running late and my next patients will be delighted." But he also said that since the surgery doesn't use a tourniquet, LE shouldn't be a factor unless I'm having an active flare.

Took a nap when I got home—woke up and my thumb was painfully triggering. But w/in 30 sec. it was fine. Think I'll just live with it.

ksusan · September 2016

Crazy-making, but I'm glad you stood your ground and that you have some relief.

exercise_guru · September 2016

I went on Arimidex and 6-8 weeks later had trigger finger and both of my hands going numb. I took some time off but the numbness didn't go away. Started Femara but was diagnosed with trigger finger and CT in one hand and trigger finger and D'quervains in the other hand. Even with Palb2 gene I had to switch to Tamoxifen. I have been on it now for about 3 months and now my tendonitis and trigger finger spontaneously went away. My CT is almost gone. I am hoping it will go away as well. Still not sure if I will try aromosin.

crystalphm · December 2016

I did end up getting the cortisone shot in my LE frozen shoulder. I am perfectly fine, but I did wrap for a few nights and wear compression for about 2 weeks after. I do have to tell you my LE is better controlled, I think the daily pain was flaring the LE up. But I also learned I dont really have a frozen shoulder, I have several bone spurs and a torn rotator cuff.

Can I get a cortisone shot in affected arm?

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