How painful are cortizone injections and are they worth it?

Question

i was just diagnosed with plantar faciitis (fallen arches) and have lots of inflammation in the bottom of my feet. i can't afford the orthodics right now and have to take a lot of ibuprofren just to work every day. they have offered me the steroid ijections directly into the plantar facia in the bottom of my foot. it sounds terrible to me...but if they actually work for a while it might be worth it.

Answer 1

The injections can significantly help with the inflammation but you will notice soreness in the area of the injection for a couple days, the actual injection does not hurt much unless you are sensitive to needles. Have you looked into over the counter foot orthotics??
Here are some resources:
http://www.footsolutions.com/locations/locations.php?map=us
Internet search: superfeet

Answer 2

I had plantar faciitis a few year ago and received a cortizone shot....in as few words as possible, DURING the shot, it felt like the doctor had gone in and was ripping out the inside of my foot and twisting it with his bare hands....only more painful thing I ever went through was LABOR... but the good news is, THAT pain only lasts a few seconds....but it takes a few days for the cortizone to start working---sometimes longer and sometimes shorter--how soon it takes affect all depends on how your system deals with it... Some people gain weight when getting cortizone injections so watch your weight.....you also will not be able to have injections except once every 6 weeks or so and you will be limited to the number of shots you will be allowed to have, but hopefully one will do the trick. You SHOULD be able to walk with a LOT less comfort after the shot.....just remember, that when you are being GIVEN the shot, that no matter how bad it hurts, do NOT MOVE

Answer 3

It's not easy getting this injection, but it will be all over in just a minute. Many people with plantar faciitis get the steroid injection and it really works for them. Be sure you rest for two to three days after the injection. Keep your foot up and try not to do much walking. That way the medicine has time to get in and break up the inflammation. It takes about one week for the injection to fully take away the pain. this injection can sometimes be a one time thing and it will remove the problem. Everybody's body is different. I recommend you get the shot.

Answer 4

I have this too! I have had the injections and let me tell you, the first one is torture, however, it was well worth it to me to be able to walk. The more I got them the easier is was but they still hurt considerably, still worth it. If you can get to a physical therapist it would be in your best interest! They with try other treatment that could help also. I have heard that the cortisone actually can cause more damage in the long run. So I stopped getting the injections. I found that along with losing weight, stretching, stretching, stretching, is the key!!!

Answer 5

Hiya, believe me the really hurt at the time, the good side is they are worth it as they do work, the pain is that the needle needs to go into the joints between the bone, it will be painful for about 2 hours, the up side is you will get a couple of months pain free

Answer 6

I had spinal fusion with cage 8 months ago at l5-s1. I recently had another episode(flare up) and the pain doc gave me a triiger point injection in his office. I was just sore for 2 days, and it is not painful, but the other one day outpatient shots are very painful. You will prob need narcotic pain meds for a week when you get the other shots.

Answer 7

have been given a cortisone shot in my shoulder March 12. somewhat stick, somewhat stress. they'll put in a vial of anesthetic first and then, without removing the needle, will take that vial off the needle and replace it with the vial of cortisone. somewhat greater stress. Afterwards, for a couple of minutes, you will experience stress. He had me take a seat there on the table for about 10 minutes and paintings my shoulder and arm circulate as ultimate i'd desire to. as quickly as the anesthetic takes result (in line with risk approximately 5 - 10 minutes) - i replaced into soreness loose for some hours. nevertheless had limited action of my arm yet for the 1st time in approximately 5 months felt no soreness. That lasts til the anesthetic wears off. It rather then took approximately 2 weeks for the great results of the shot to paintings. My arm began loosening up sufficient that actual therapy is efficient. sturdy success and don't be afraid!

Answer 8

Just make sure if you are diabetic, you let the doctor know. I hope you did already or your doctor asked prior to suggesting the shots. Diabetes and cortizone shots are NOT a good combination as it makes your blood sugar do funny things.

I have had 2 shots. One in my elbow and one in my wrist. Not fun but helpful. But I did start spinning around and almost pass out.

Answer 9

My wife has been taking cortisone injection in her foot every three months. Within hours her arthritis pain is almost gone and she is okay for at least two months. Overall, I think it is worth it to reduce pain. Hope the injections work for you.

Answer 10

Well, I have a friend at work and she said the shots hurt like heck, but they work. The pain from her shoulder was gone for about 2 weeks. She has to keep going back for shots so she decided to stop.

Hope this helps!