Do Steroid Injections Work for Thumb Pain?
Steroid injections can be an effective treatment for thumb pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, or a trigger finger. The steroid medication helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected area. For a trigger finger it can be curative, while for thumb arthritis the relief will be temporary. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently treat patients with thumb pain.
How long does a steroid injection last in the thumb?
The duration of pain relief from a steroid injection in the thumb can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s condition, the specific type and severity of thumb pain, and the type of steroid used.
In general, the effects of a steroid injection typically last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Some individuals may experience significant relief that lasts for several months, while others may find that the pain returns sooner. Additionally, repeated injections may be necessary for sustained relief in some cases. In the case of a trigger thumb, the relief can be permanent.
What is the alternative to cortisone shots in the thumb?
There are several alternatives to cortisone shots for thumb pain, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some alternatives include:
Physical therapy: Therapeutic exercises and modalities such as ultrasound or ice/heat therapy can help improve thumb mobility, strength, and reduce pain.
Splinting or bracing: Wearing a splint or brace can provide support to the thumb joint, reduce strain on the affected area, and promote healing. A CMC brace is an example of a brace that many will wear who have CMC arthritis
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Topical treatments: Creams, gels, or patches containing medications such as lidocaine or capsaicin can provide localized pain relief. Voltaren gel can also provide pain relief as well.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections involve using a concentrated form of the patient’s blood plasma, rich in platelets, to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the affected area. At Easy Orthopedic we offer high quality PRP injections.
Acupuncture: Some people find relief from thumb pain through acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body.
What is the downside of getting cortisone shots?
While cortisone shots can provide effective short-term relief for thumb pain, there are potential downsides and risks associated with their use. These include:
Temporary flare-up of pain: Some individuals may experience a temporary increase in pain or inflammation at the injection site immediately following the cortisone shot.
Risk of infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site, although this is rare when the procedure is performed under sterile conditions.
Tissue damage: Repeated cortisone injections can potentially weaken or damage the soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments, around the injection site. This can increase the risk of tendon rupture or other structural problems over time.
Skin changes: Cortisone injections may cause temporary changes in the appearance or texture of the skin around the injection site, such as thinning or lightening of the skin.
Elevated blood sugar levels: Cortisone is a type of steroid medication that can temporarily increase blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels may be necessary in these cases.
Allergic reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the cortisone medication or other components of the injection solution.
I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about if steroid injections work for thumb pain? If you would like us to evaluate your thumb sided wrist pain and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.
