Repeated steroid knee injections-How safe?

[Dinger2]

I have diagnosed arthritis in the left knee. I have had about five+ cortisone steroid injections over the last three years.I have heard gossip that too many (how ever many that is ?) can lead to the disintegration of the bone structure of the knee. Is this true or nonsense?

[Sqad]

Intra articular injections for osteo arthritis of the knee are either helpful to relieve pain and mobility or they don't work at all.

If they don't work, then you don't need to bother with your question as you will probably need a knee replacement.

If the are helpful....then this will vary from country to country and orthopaedic units vary...........but basically......at least 6 or 7 times a year for as long as the improvement is maintained is perfectly acceptable and 10 times is not unusual. This regime can be followed for at least 10years in theory but by that time your knee will need surgically replacing due to other factors than the steroids.

Do steroid injection accelerate bone and joint destruction?....there is evidence for and against....but the main body of orthopaedic opinion is NO....bone destruction is not accelerated by steroid injections.

[nannybooby]

Dinger , I have never heard that they were dangerous ,however my rhemy recomends you take calcium and vit d too. Don't be afraid of the knee replacement I had one just a month ago and I am walking better now than when I went in and the pain level has all but gone.

[droopydrawers]

I was told 3 maximum per year by my Rheumatologist. I had both knees and a hip replaced. Best thing I ever done.

The relief is more than worth a few days discomfort if it comes to surgery go for it.

DD