[bstenon]

What is the feeling about having cortisone shots for joint pain instead of replacement surgery. Does it work and is it painful? Would you just go with Alieve instead of the shot? Thanks a friend is wondering what route to go.

[villages07]

I've been through 2 knee replacements... in both cases, the doc said the joint was too far gone to be helped by any other non-surgical therapy.

For an aching shoulder, the doc did 2 cortisone shots. The first one seemed to provide about 3 months of relief, the second one even less. Enough relief to get me through my first knee. Eventually, I ended up having rotator cuff repair surgery.

So, not sure which joint your friend is dealing with...but, my suggestion is they get it thoroughly evaluated by a doc and see if there are non-surgical options. If the joint has already deteriorated to bone on bone, the shot might provide temporary relief but surgery may eventually be called for. They can do some miraculous things with joint replacement (hips and knees) and the surgery/recovery is not all that bad. Now, shoulders are a different story ....ouch, it's a nasty, painful recovery, but, again, it does work.

I used ibuprofen probably since it first came out 20 years ago for knee pain relief. One of my goals in getting my knees fixed was to get off the ibuprofen. So, again, Aleve may provide some relief but is not a long term solution.

Good luck to your friend.... he/she will know when it's time to take radical action to provide pain relief.

[Mudder]

First Aleve is not a long term solution, it goes thru your kidneys and can have not so good outcomes. If it the shoulder I'd try all other things first before surgery...but things don't all work for all people. I think Villages07 gave great advise - go to an expert to explore all possibilities. Everyone I know who has had replacement surgery wonders why they didn't do it sooner rather than later!

[dalecrenshaw]

The Cortisone shots are not painful. I had 3 cortisone shots for my knee, which was bone on bone, but it did nothing. I have friends who did benefit from them, for a short time. I ended up with a total knee replacement since the pain was so bad. Now my other knee is bone on bone and the Doctor suggested a series of 5 shots (one week apart) called "Supartz". That worked and has lasted about 6 months. Supartz is marketed under several different names. There is a long thread on this website regarding this subject. I suggest you use the search button and you will find a lot of information.

[rosygail]

I had more cortisone shots in my knee which was bone on bone than I can count! I had synvisc lubricant in both knees twice. I was fearful of the replacement surgery and was trying everything to avoid it. I had my total knee replacement on October 12 2011 and I am go glad I did. The first month there was a lot of pain, but you do get pain meds for it. My formal rehab was 8 weeks of outpatient therapy. By the end of the third month I was so happy I had the surgery. Now at 5+ months the surgery knee is my Good (strong) knee and I'm thinking about having the left one done real soon.

My surgery was in Indiana so I can't recommend a doc for you. Make sure your doc does a lot of knee replacements! Also be sure to take your therapy seriously and work hard at it and you'll be fine!

[784caroline]

Suggest you try all altenatives including anti-inflamatories, cortisone shots, lifestyle change etc. before jumping into knee replacement. Just remember that Cortisone shots does not solve the problem you have, it only delays the inevitable. You will know when you are ready for knee replacement ..and that time typically is when you realize you cant do what you want to do. Yes you may be laid up for awhile but the end result will most likely give you alot of options to enjoy living in the villages

[Sail41]

While I am sure we have some great doctors in the Villages, if it were my knee, I take the time to drive to Vero Beach and contact Dr Nichols. One of the best. He uses a system where no tendons are cut and the healing is quick. I've had several neighbors here in Port St Lucie where we also have a condo use him. They're up walking the same day as surgery and only a short rehab. I had cartiledge torn and had cortisone shots, but they would only give me two a year. A week later arthopedic surgery. Been great ever since. I'm lucky! It might be worth the short drive to Vero even if just a consult. He does free seminars on occasions.

[bstenon]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that it was the hip.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Originally Posted by bstenon

What is the feeling about having cortisone shots for joint pain instead of replacement surgery. Does it work and is it painful? Would you just go with Alieve instead of the shot? Thanks a friend is wondering what route to go.

I can sympathize. I get shots in several of my joints on a regular basis (hips, knees, feet, etc.) for arthritis and sometimes I feel like I backed into a porcupine BUT for me it really helps. The one I get in my knees is a series of 3, one week apart and lasts me for 6 months. I have to say that I am immune to the sting of it when I get it in most places, but it does leave me needing to rest because of discomfort that evening although the next day I am fine. It is very worth it for me because of the relief I get although I know I will need replacements eventually. Not everyone is in the same place I am and when you need a replacement or when the shots aren't working you should consider other options. I get a shot in my hip under fluoroscopy (xray) while I am awake in the hospital every 5 months and that is very painful while they are doing it but it only takes 5 minutes or so and it helps a lot also. My doctor tells me every time I go to consider a hip replacement but as long as I can hold out for 5 months I am not going to and he is ok also with my decision. For me, taking a pain killer such as Tylenol or Alieve is not an optin instead and wouldn't work. It's a very individual thing and your friend and doctor have to consider the options. Since your question was about the shot and if they work and hurt, I hope I've answered that in relation to my experience.