HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Osteoarthritis

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014

Question: I have osteo arthritis, wad only one steroid injection in my rt ankle, 2 days later that area had an oversized bone on the ankle about 2 yrs ago. I didn't get any more injections until this yr . I have ovarian ca, was given steroids iv this month via a medi port, after 2 days of receiving the steroid my clavicle and bone on the rt shoulder has enlarged. I am sensitive too quite a few prescription drugs. Having had these steroids for just one time on 2 different dates I believe I had ill effects from the steroids. I do not want to receive any more steroids. My bones looked deformed, I have been told I need to receive steroids to help make me well, I am suppose to get 8mg every week for 10 wks. Based on my experience I believe it is not good for me to continue getting this drug. I s there another drug of choice which may not have this effect on me?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I want to know little detail about your illness

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Madam I have studied your case and I understand that you do not want steroid injection in shoulder and ankle any more. And doctor is suggesting you to take these. Also I got this that you have been given steroid for ovarian cancer. unfortunately there are not many substitutes for steroids but you can choose steroid which is not cause any harm to you.
Before I advice you any thing I want to know little detail about your illness.
1. Apart from swelling and local pain is there any other side effect of steroid injection in you?
2. You said your doctor want to give you steroid, Can you mention why? Are they giving you injection or tablet?
3. Are you been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (47 hours later)

I was dx'd with osteo-arthritis years ago, osteo penia also. I do not have any swelling around the joints. In XXXXXXX of this yr dx'd with ovarian cancer. Had debulk surgery, now I am receiving integrative therapy, which includes chemo., steroids and other things. I was told I need the steroids to help get rid of the inflammation caused by the cancer. However, one dose, which is given iv push via a medi-port caused my collar bone to become enlarged. I just received a second dose in same area and now bone on my shoulder and muscle near my neck is also enlarged. It looks as if I have been working out that muscle. On the opposite side is normal, so it really looks deformed.As I mentioned before, I received a steroid injection with a needle about 2 yrs ago and that ankle became enlarged, and it remained that way. I there something else that be used to help me? It seems like I have bad effects from steroids! The enlargement on the ankle is the bone, no swelling.

I have no pain at the site, no swelling the bone becomes enlarged near the injection site. The bones look deformed, it really looks terrible!!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can get injection through central line

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I can assure you that it is not enlargement of the bone. Bone once fully developed does not change its size. I think injection has caused inflammation in vein and near by tissue, that has caused the fibrosis. It is the fibrosis which is causing feeling of the hard bone.
If you have any doubt then you can get x ray of the ankle and shoulder to confirm this. I can assure you that you will not see any bone enlargement on x rays.
Now for further injection, I would suggest you to get central line. In this injection is given through special catheter which is inserted in deep veins and chances of inflammation is less. It is specially used when it is not possible to use superficial veins for injection.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if ghere is any other follow up questions.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (38 minutes later)

I have a central line inserted, treatment can't be done without it.Why do I have what looks like and feels like a large bone on my ankle. It never went back to the normal size after 2 yrs. What can be done after fibrosis forms? Can it treated to make it go away? I will ask for xray to know what is really going on inside of me, this is really bothering me!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can send x ray ankle to me

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would suggest you to get ankle and shoulder x ray. You can get the fibrous tissue excise if it causing pain in the movements and also causing stiffness. If there is no problem due to this then it can be left alone.
You can send x ray of ankle and shoulder me. According to that we can plan if it needs any treatment.
Thanks.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad