Cortisone shots

[runaways]

I still can't run more than about 2.5 without knee discomfort, so I'm off to the Dr. I'm wondering if he's going to recommend that I get one and I'm not sure I want to. For anyone who's had one, was it just a quick fix or was it actually part of a more permanent solution?

[texassmith]

One of my friends had cortisone shots in her knee in conjunction with physical therapy for several months (and no running). What is wrong with your knee? Do you know?

[runaways]

I really really really think it's my IT band because I have these giant knots on that side only that have been there since before the half in April and I just haven't been able to make a dent in them, although targeting that area definitely improved things. I'm kind of terrified.

[pixy0stix]

DH has gotten them before. They helped for a little while and then the pain came back.

[keweenawlove]

I've always been told that cortisone shots are generally just a shot term fix, not a long term solution.

A chiropractor who does ART was my lifesaver when I had IT issues. I hope you're able to get it figured out!

[sitnspin]

I have had them in the ball of my foot and it worked for a few weeks/months, but the pain would return.

MH has had them in his knee for a torn meniscus.  It works for a while, but the pain comes back.  Changing his workout routine (no running) has made the pain disappear.

[Susie]

I've never known anyone for whom cortisone shots were an actual solution, just a band aid for a little while.

I wouldn't do one without having a diagnosis and a plan for how to treat the diagnosis long term.

[emilyj]

I've gotten them in my knee before. Like the others have said, it's a band-aid, and not a long term solution. I would not let the doctor give me a cortisone shot unless I had a definitive diagnosis for exactly what was wrong, and what steps were going to be taken to correct the problem - physical therapy, rest, etc.

[katinthehat]

I second the recommendation for a chiro who does ART

My ortho suggested cortisone shots for my foot, but he wasn't really in favor of them as it is a short term solution

[robin]

Cortisone shots should be used very sparingly, as they can damage ligaments. You can also search for massage therapists in your area who are specialized in ortho

[Deleted]

I had two cortisone shots in my knee last summer and they didn't help at all. I needed to have the surgery for a torn meniscus.

[runaways]

Update: he thinks it is in fact distal IT band syndrome so he's recommending that I continue lots of stretching and foam rolling and go for a few PT sessions and a gait analysis. Nothing grossly abnormal and I can keep running as tolerated. No shots or anything.

Thanks for the info everyone!

[fdcritt76]

I got a cortisone shot in my knee 2 weeks before my half for IT band pain. The doctor did an ultrasound, and was quick to go for the shot. Honestly, I was quick to take it so I wouldn't miss the half I trained so hard for. I now have a noticeable thumb-sized indentation where the shot was given. My skin is also discolored in that area. If I weren't in such a hurry for a quick fix, I never would've done it. I haven't had much pain since then, but I'm also not running 20 miles a week either. I'd like to get a good gait analysis, as I think my right foot pronates inward. This may be contributing to my pain. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[MrsE]

I've had them in each knee. The first was a little fix after my right knee surgery. The second was in my left knee as a test to see if it would help me run or if I needed to have knee surgery (which I did).

[archaeominx]

I think they are definitely a short term solution. I had one to give me some relief while I was waiting to get a torn meniscus fixed. The pain and swelling started to come back within four weeks and that was with limited activity.