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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Excurating Headache After Receiving An Injection Of Steroid Into Knee Joint. Orthopaedist Did Not Help. Remedy?

I develop an EXCRUCIATING headache after receiving an injection of steroid into my knee joint. The pain begins about 2 hrs post injection, peaks and remains at a very high level for about 8 -10 hours then gradually declines over two days. What causes this? My orthopedist shrugs his shoulders and isn't really interested in helping me with this issue. My greatest concern is that it might cause a CVA. Am I allergic to steroids and/or their preservatives and how can I go about narrowing down and discovering the exact cause of this reaction? Is it safe to have the injection to obtain the joint pain relief and endure the headache? I pack the top of my head in an ice pac during the peak of the pain.
What specialty could help me get to the bottom of this problem?. Would contacting a pharmacist at various pharmaceutical companies be of any help? (I am a 77 yr. old female with no co-morbidities.)
Suggestions please!!
Wed, 9 Oct 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Generally, Headache is not a known complication of intraarticular steroid injection. Propably, it could be attributed to an allergic reaction that you have towards steroids. These sort of reactions may be self limiting. Symptomatic treatment involves taking Acetaminophen as needed.

Corticosteroids may relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis for a short amount of time (weeks to months). Some people get long-term relief of 6 months or more with a single cortisone shot.

Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects. Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while. If side effects still bother you, consult your treating physician.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Excurating Headache After Receiving An Injection Of Steroid Into Knee Joint. Orthopaedist Did Not Help. Remedy?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Generally, Headache is not a known complication of intraarticular steroid injection. Propably, it could be attributed to an allergic reaction that you have towards steroids. These sort of reactions may be self limiting. Symptomatic treatment involves taking Acetaminophen as needed. Corticosteroids may relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis for a short amount of time (weeks to months). Some people get long-term relief of 6 months or more with a single cortisone shot. Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects. Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while. If side effects still bother you, consult your treating physician. Hope this information is helpful. Good day