When should I get a cortisone shot in my knee?

[robinb]

Hi everyone! I have recently come to the conclusion that I have been "babying" my knee for quite a while and that my general mobility has suffered. I have osteoarthritis my right knee ... probably both knees, but the right is much worse. I don't usually have a lot of pain unless I walk a lot and my knee gets stiff when I sit for an extended period of time. We joke that I have to "activate" my knee after sitting for a meal because I feel like my knee is going to buckle unless I move it around a bit when I stand before putting weight on it. In any case, there is always a low level ache and inflammation. I went to a osteoarthritis clinic back in the winter 2019/spring of 2020 and they assessed me and gave me some exercises to keep my knee stronger. I went twice but did not go back because of Covid. They did said at the time that I could get cortisone shots in the future if I wanted them. I want them now.

My question has mostly top do with timing. We have plans for a WDW trip in September. I have used a scooter at WDW for the last few years and before that I used a cane (that didn't work well) and before that I would ice my knee every evening when we would get back to the room. I would like to be able to be able to walk WDW again and I hope that cortisone shots will help alleviate my pain and inflammation. I would like to get the shot(s) in time to be able to "train" for WDW but I also want the shot(s) to be active in mid September.

So, how long do cortisone shots usually last? I'm considering of asking for mine in July which would give be about 8-9 weeks to get used to having a knee that works and increase my activity.

Update on Post 18.

Update on Post 33.

 

[Southernmiss]

Hi everyone! I have recently come to the conclusion that I have been "babying" my knee for quite a while and that my general mobility has suffered. I have osteoarthritis my right knee ... probably both knees, but the right is much worse. I don't usually have a lot of pain unless I walk a lot and my knee gets stiff when I sit for an extended period of time. We joke that I have to "activate" my knee after sitting for a meal because I feel like my knee is going to buckle unless I move it around a bit when I stand before putting weight on it. In any case, there is always a low level ache and inflammation. I went to a osteoarthritis clinic back in the winter 2019/spring of 2020 and they assessed me and gave me some exercises to keep my knee stronger. I went twice but did not go back because of Covid. They did said at the time that I could get cortisone shots in the future if I wanted them. I want them now.

My question has mostly top do with timing. We have plans for a WDW trip in September. I have used a scooter at WDW for the last few years and before that I used a cane (that didn't work well) and before that I would ice my knee every evening when we would get back to the room. I would like to be able to be able to walk WDW again and I hope that cortisone shots will help alleviate my pain and inflammation. I would like to get the shot(s) in time to be able to "train" for WDW but I also want the shot(s) to be active in mid September.

So, how long do cortisone shots usually last? I'm considering of asking for mine in July which would give be about 8-9 weeks to get used to having a knee that works and increase my activity.

Have you seen an orthopedic doctor recently?

I would do that first.

DH had pain in his knee. Thought it was a torn meniscus. Turns out it was loss of cartilage grade 3. Grade 4 is knee replacement.

He had surgery which cleaned out the damaged tissue and the doctor took stem cells from dh's femur and injected them in the knee to grow new cartilage.

Dh has an 8 week follow-up this week to see how it's working.

His knee does feel a lot better.

 

[robinb]

Have you seen an orthopedic doctor recently?

I would do that first.

DH had pain in his knee. Thought it was a torn meniscus. Turns out it was loss of cartilage grade 3. Grade 4 is knee replacement.

He had surgery which cleaned out the damaged tissue and the doctor took stem cells from dh's femur and injected them in the knee to grow new cartilage.

Dh has an 8 week follow-up this week to see how it's working.

His knee does feel a lot better.

No, not since December 2019 after I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

 

[Disneefun]

I'm on notice from my ortho that if PT fails (I have arthritis made worse by a recent fall and subsequent kneecap issues), I have 3 options to have shot into my knee: Cortisone, "bio identical" gel, or giving some blood, having the platelets spun out and having that injected into my knee. He thinks the platelet thing is best for long term healing, but it may not be covered by insurance. His #2 choice is the gel, and #3 is the cortisone. My point is to maybe go see another ortho for a second opinion. Seems like there are some better options available these days that may work better/last longer than cortisone.

 

[lanejudy]

DH just got a cortisone shot for his knee last week. However, he'd already had an x-ray and it was nearly a month wait for the appointment to see the orthopedic doctor. But the doctor gave him the cortisone shot at that very same appointment and submitted a pre-auth for a gel injection to get next.

I don't know how long a wait it will be to get an appointment at orthopedics. If you can get in quickly, go ahead with that. If it's a wait, see if your PCP can order the knee x-ray so the ortho will have that when you finally get to see them.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I’ve had cortisone shots in the past. You can only get them 3 or 4 times a year - so once every 12 to 18 weeks-ish. The relief I got was instantaneous but it only lasted for 6 weeks. Because of this, I’d try to have a shot relatively close to a Disney trip.

Since the shots never lasted long enough and I was bone on bone in both knees, I had double knee replacement during Summer 2020. It’s been a very long recovery with complications in one knee, but I’m finally turning the corner.

 

[Micca]

This is sort of timely for me, I just had my first ever cortisone shot (hip) a few weeks ago. I was just at my usual doc--technically an NP. Had an x-ray that showed mild arthritis. NP said it could take a week to ten days to become effective, I was much better in just a few hours. I asked how long the cortisone would last, and his literal reply: It could last 3 months, six months, a year, or maybe forever.

Side note: Needles scare the pants off of me. Which in this case was helpful because I had the injection in my hip But it was seriously nowhere near the traumatic experience I expected. It was in fact pretty minor. While I'd rather not have to have them several times per year, I wouldn't hesitate to get it again.

 

[Christine]

My coworker is getting the gel injected and it's done wonders. But she didn't do that until she had an MRI to see exactly what was going on in the knee. I know an X-ray will show osteoarthritis--I think everyone past 50 is going to see that so it might not be the cause of your problem. Frankly, the "buckling" is indicative of a meniscus tear. Not always but it could be.
So I'd get the MRI before I started going off and injecting things because you're really just guessing at a diagnosis at this point.

 

[luv2cheer92]

Honestly, it depends. I've treated tons of people that have had the injections (cortisone and gel, some PRP). Some people it lasts for several months, several people it does absolutely nothing for, and some people are somewhere in between.

 

[rlk]

My ortho has suggested I try the gel shots, and they seem to work for me. I am on my second round of Gel shots for my left knee.The first time, the gel lasted almost 6 months. I got the last of a series of three gel shots on May 2. I was able to walk, hike, and run on my trips to Ireland and Germany last month. I'm hoping it lasts until we get back from WDW in late July.

 

[robinb]

Thank you everyone. I just reviewed the visit details from my visits with the Osteoarthritis Clinic. I saw a doctor, a PT and a nutritionist as part of the clinic. I am overweight and they really banged on me losing weight to get relief. I was losing weight until Covid and that was reversed. I am working on losing weight again and I weigh less than I did when I first saw them. They also kept on telling me that "motion is lotion" and I had to use my knee more make it hurt less. They had a "24-hour" rule that essentially said that my knee would hurt with use and if my knee didn't hurt after 24 hours it was ok. Darn it. I don't *want* it to hurt when I use it. Now I know why I didn't pursue a shot/gel/etc before ... I was expected to gut it out. I'm not sure I want to follow up with them, so I think I will contact my primary care provider. In the meantime, I was reminded of the PT I was doing and I'll start that again.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Thank you everyone. I just reviewed the visit details from my visits with the Osteoarthritis Clinic. I saw a doctor, a PT and a nutritionist as part of the clinic. I am overweight and they really banged on me losing weight to get relief. I was losing weight until Covid and that was reversed. I am working on losing weight again and I weigh less than I did when I first saw them. They also kept on telling me that "motion is lotion" and I had to use my knee more make it hurt less. They had a "24-hour" rule that essentially said that my knee would hurt with use and if my knee didn't hurt after 24 hours it was ok. Darn it. I don't *want* it to hurt when I use it. Now I know why I didn't pursue a shot/gel/etc before ... I was expected to gut it out. I'm not sure I want to follow up with them, so I think I will contact my primary care provider. In the meantime, I was reminded of the PT I was doing and I'll start that again.

Make an appointment with your ortho or rheumatologist. If needed they can inject your knee during that visit. Cortisone shots are the best!

 

[DCLMP]

Hi everyone! I have recently come to the conclusion that I have been "babying" my knee for quite a while and that my general mobility has suffered. I have osteoarthritis my right knee ... probably both knees, but the right is much worse. I don't usually have a lot of pain unless I walk a lot and my knee gets stiff when I sit for an extended period of time. We joke that I have to "activate" my knee after sitting for a meal because I feel like my knee is going to buckle unless I move it around a bit when I stand before putting weight on it. In any case, there is always a low level ache and inflammation. I went to a osteoarthritis clinic back in the winter 2019/spring of 2020 and they assessed me and gave me some exercises to keep my knee stronger. I went twice but did not go back because of Covid. They did said at the time that I could get cortisone shots in the future if I wanted them. I want them now.

My question has mostly top do with timing. We have plans for a WDW trip in September. I have used a scooter at WDW for the last few years and before that I used a cane (that didn't work well) and before that I would ice my knee every evening when we would get back to the room. I would like to be able to be able to walk WDW again and I hope that cortisone shots will help alleviate my pain and inflammation. I would like to get the shot(s) in time to be able to "train" for WDW but I also want the shot(s) to be active in mid September.

So, how long do cortisone shots usually last? I'm considering of asking for mine in July which would give be about 8-9 weeks to get used to having a knee that works and increase my activity.

Have you had an MRI to see if it's more than arthritis? I have a torn meniscus and a stress fracture that I've been dealing with since February. I've been a runner my whole life. I did have one cortisone shot at the beginning of this and it did help a little bit. I was in pretty good shape before this occurred. I've been able to bike, elliptical, and walk. I do get the buckling at times.

I don't have arthritis, but a torn meniscus is very common in people over 50 because they wear out. Many people don't even know they have it. It could be more than just arthritis.

I use Ice after every workout at the gym and any time I do a lot of walking. I was in good shape before this happened and have worked out throughout it.

I would give the shot a chance maybe 4 weeks before. They can last months or just weeks. Everyone is different.

 

[DCLMP]

DH just got a cortisone shot for his knee last week. However, he'd already had an x-ray and it was nearly a month wait for the appointment to see the orthopedic doctor. But the doctor gave him the cortisone shot at that very same appointment and submitted a pre-auth for a gel injection to get next.

I don't know how long a wait it will be to get an appointment at orthopedics. If you can get in quickly, go ahead with that. If it's a wait, see if your PCP can order the knee x-ray so the ortho will have that when you finally get to see them.

It took me three months and now the surgeon wants to repeat the MRI because he can't make up a treatment plan on an MRI that's three months old. Go figure.

 

[auntfrannie]

Just a note that cortisone shots don't work for everyone. I've had them twice and neither did anything for my knee. I also had one in my wrist. I don't know if some people are more resistant to them if or if they're only effective on certain types of arthritis.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Just a note that cortisone shots don't work for everyone. I've had them twice and neither did anything for my knee. I also had one in my wrist. I don't know if some people are more resistant to them if or if they're only effective on certain types of arthritis.

Either the pain isn't caused by inflammation or they missed the target with the injection.

 

[StephPlum]

Honestly, it depends. I've treated tons of people that have had the injections (cortisone and gel, some PRP). Some people it lasts for several months, several people it does absolutely nothing for, and some people are somewhere in between.

Best advice. OP, we can give you our experience but it depends on your situation. I‘ve had cortisone shots in both knees. I normally get about 2 years of relief. Works well. But I have friends who only gets weeks of relief. I also try to do my PT exercises regularly. Another thing you can try while you wait for the Dr appt is the Voltarin cream. I use the Costco brand.

 

[robinb]

So, I have an good news/bad news update. I contacted my doctor's office and was able to get an appointment yesterday with nurse practitioner who used to work for the Osteoarthritis Clinic and now works with my doctor. The bad news was it was with the same NP who I met with back in 2019 and I was given the same song and dance. She harped on me to lose weight (I'm a size 16, BTW) and to start using my peddler again and that will make everything better. She will not approve a cortisone shot for me to ease the inflammation and pain because, in her expert opinion, my knee is not bad enough for it. She says that the cortisone damages the knee and little and I have to wait for the damage from the osteoarthritis to become worse than the damage from the shot. Meanwhile, she has approved an injection of Synvisc-One and is waiting for authorization from my insurance. That is supposed to help with the pain but not the inflammation.

 

[MrsPete]

This isn't the same thing, but a cortisone shot absolutely fixed the pain in my foot. I won't lie: that shot hurt BADLY, but it was more than a decade ago, and I haven't needed another.

I also followed my doctor's instructions on how to avoid future flare-ups ... but I don't think that alone would've fixed the raging pain I had before that shot.

 

[leebee]

This is sort of timely for me, I just had my first ever cortisone shot (hip) a few weeks ago. I was just at my usual doc--technically an NP. Had an x-ray that showed mild arthritis. NP said it could take a week to ten days to become effective, I was much better in just a few hours. I asked how long the cortisone would last, and his literal reply: It could last 3 months, six months, a year, or maybe forever.

Side note: Needles scare the pants off of me. Which in this case was helpful because I had the injection in my hip But it was seriously nowhere near the traumatic experience I expected. It was in fact pretty minor. While I'd rather not have to have them several times per year, I wouldn't hesitate to get it again.

Needles scare the crap out of me, too, so I'm glad to hear it went well. I had the choice of shots for a year and then knee replacement, or just do the knee replacement and get it over, which was what I chose (and I won't deny that those needles in the knee weren't part of the decision-making process)! Here's hoping the cortisone works in your hip for quite a while!