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Suggest Treatment For Prolonged Osteoarthritis
Question: What is your opinion of cortisone shots to relieve osteoarthritis? I'm doing all right with hand braces, Rxs et.c. and am not in constant pain
Brief Answer:
would avoid steroids if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
If I were you I would avoid steroids whenever possible. In the short term they can cause fluid retention, weight gain and mood changes and in the long-term they can cause more serious things like adrenal gland shut down and osteoporosis.
Of course this is less likely with a shot that with oral medications but these side effects are still possible.
If you can get by without the shots without too much suffering then that is best. If the pain is severe then it is worth giving it a try. One or two injections will probably not do you any harm. The risk of side effects is more if you use this type of medication frequently. Used occasionally for bad pain, they are probably safer than narcotics.
I hope this gives you some helpful information to help you make a decision
I wish you the best.
Dr. Robinson
would avoid steroids if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
If I were you I would avoid steroids whenever possible. In the short term they can cause fluid retention, weight gain and mood changes and in the long-term they can cause more serious things like adrenal gland shut down and osteoporosis.
Of course this is less likely with a shot that with oral medications but these side effects are still possible.
If you can get by without the shots without too much suffering then that is best. If the pain is severe then it is worth giving it a try. One or two injections will probably not do you any harm. The risk of side effects is more if you use this type of medication frequently. Used occasionally for bad pain, they are probably safer than narcotics.
I hope this gives you some helpful information to help you make a decision
I wish you the best.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your assessment. I'm very leery of steroids and will avoid them unless the pain becomes too severe, which isn't the case at present.
Brief Answer:
I hope you find relief
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome and thanks for the follow up.
Best regards to you,
Dr. Robinson
I hope you find relief
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome and thanks for the follow up.
Best regards to you,
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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