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Have corticosteroid shots worked for you?

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Posted 6/27/2007 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Tomorrow I meet with my orthopedist to review a nerve conduction study I had for my carpal tunnel symptoms.  I know the tests showed that the condition needs to be treated, which means steroid shots or surgery.

The neuro that did the study recommended I just get the surgery done; my pulmonologist says I should try shots first.   Obviously I would love to avoid surgery, in possible.

I know that at least a few of you have had steroid shots for joint problems.  Did you find them helpful?  How long did they last for you?  If you had a surgical option, would you still choose to get shots instead?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!

Posted 6/27/2007 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Do not have carpal tunnel but have had cortisone shots for other problems (bursitis, tendonitis) and they worked.  Always a good idea to try a treatment like that before considering surgery.  Nothing but time to lose.

If your neuro is anxious to cut I would get a second opinion as well.

If it were me I would go for the shots and see if there is improvement.  Isn't physical therapy recommended for CT?  I had bad knee and hip problems years ago and cortisone and PT resolved the problem 100%...better result than I could have expected from any surgical option.

Good luck,

Bill

 

Posted 6/27/2007 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Meph, I've also had shots for tendonitis and they worked. I had to get them three times in one of my fingers and it has healed so well that I can't even remember which finger it was. I totally agree with Bill. Try the shots first, and if they don't work, get a second opinion from another doctor. Good luck.
Posted 6/27/2007 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Bill and Patty. I was given steroid shots at my appointment today. My hands are currently numb from the injection but are supposed to feel better by morning. I appreciate your input!
Posted 6/28/2007 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
Meph,

The hand surgeon who eventually did my CT release, gave me steroid shots for the CT until they no longer gave me relief. After that, the surgery did the trick.

If you end up having the surgery, be sure to have a hand surgeon do it. Be sure he has done it many, many times. Good luck.

emmie
Posted 6/28/2007 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Meph, by all means try the shots first. I have had carpul-t surgery & was never offered the shots. The surgery itself was nothing but it almost took me a yr to get full use of my hand! The docs could not tell me why I had such a problem regaining use, I guess it was because I probably because I had lupus then. Even now at times I still have trouble with my hand but nothing like it was. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Posted 6/28/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Meph:

I do steroid shots for my bursitis in my hips every 3 to 4 months. They work well for me and I'd recommend the shots to someone. I would always try something less invasive before doing surgery. I hope that you hands feel better today and that this will fix your problem. Keep us posted on how things go.

Best Wishes,

Barbara
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