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Can Steroids Injections Be Taken To Treat Rotator Cuff Tendinitis In Arms?

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Question: I was diagRnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis in both arms and have been out of work for one month. My left arm is almost completely better except for a small tender area to the touch. My right arm is much more stubborn. I am getting PT, applying ice and heat, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. My arm is responding but not fast enough to return to work next week. My doctor wants to send me to an orthopedist for a cortisone injection, but I am afraid and have been resistant to this because I am very sensitive to all medications and am very prone to getting side effects. I hear the side effects of cortisone injections can be severe, so I wonder if I should just ask for a couple more weeks off and continue with the slower process of PT, heat and oral medication, since my left side responded well to this and my right side is getting better little by little. Could you tell me what side effects are common and if there is any recovery time with an injection as a general rule. Also, is my arm likely to heal given more time with less aggressive methods?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid injections are safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I can assure you that steroid injections in joints like shoulder are quite safe with no side effects. After injection you can feel a little pain for three to four days that's it. I use them in lot of patients and never had any problem. Just make sure that your doctor should be an shoulder specialist.
After injections patients shows better response to physiotherapy. Steroid injection can be repeated after two months.
If there is completely torn tendon than steroids can give you only pain relief and you will need cuff surgery to repair tendons. I can offer you better advise if you send me your MRI report.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if you want to ask any other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

I filed a Worker's Comp claim to help with the PT or any long-term medical treatment I might require. I had never seen this doctor before and just got back from my appointment. He basically told me he thought I was malingering and my doctor was misinformed. He said (with no xrays or MRI at all) that I had "a little arthritis," and at my age I should expect some aches and pains. He told me to get back to work as of today. I do not feel ready but now I have no choice. Can you tell me how to tell the difference, from the patient's end, between arthritis of the shoulder and rotator cuff injury? I feel pain on the side of my arm (both arms originally) whenever I turn it the wrong way, and the pain is so severe that it brings me to my knees. It resolves in a couple of minutes with ice. But I also feel very low grade achy pain in my shoulders all the time. Does this sound like arthritis or rotator cuff to you?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Both arthritis and cuff needs rest

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As far as symptoms are concerned there is very little difference. So I would suggest you to get MRI. This will prove the diagnosis and no body can challenge that. For pain and stiffness, any doctor can claim it malingering.
So get a MRI. if there is problem with the cost then get ultrasound.
Let me know if you want to ask any further questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 hours later)

Thank you so much and I will do exactly that.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can send your MRI report to me

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I wish you a very good health. Please send me your MRI report.
Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar