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Why Is My Type Turning Black Blue After Getting A Cortisone Shot?

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Posted on Tue, 23 Jan 2024
Question: 10 months ago I had a cortazone shot on my left foot between my second and third toe from my big toe, because the toe bone had became crooked and was pressing against a nerve. Now my toe where I got the shot is turning black and blue. Should I be concerned, I feel no pain in this location.
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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Necrosis of the toe most likely

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Bluish-black discoloration of the toe is concerning for tissue necrosis, which is the death of tissues caused by reduced blood flow. Cortisone injections have known to cause such necrosis. However, since you had only one cortisone shot and that too 10 months ago, it is an unlikely cause.

Any factors that affect blood flow like atherosclerosis, compression of arteries etc can lead to such symptoms. Whatever the underlying cause, tissue necrosis is warranted immediate medical attention.

Depending on the extent of necrosis further treatment ranging from use of antibiotics alone to debridement to surgery will be needed.

So, please be advised to follow up with the emergency room as soon as possible.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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Why Is My Type Turning Black Blue After Getting A Cortisone Shot?

Brief Answer: Necrosis of the toe most likely Detailed Answer: Hello, Bluish-black discoloration of the toe is concerning for tissue necrosis, which is the death of tissues caused by reduced blood flow. Cortisone injections have known to cause such necrosis. However, since you had only one cortisone shot and that too 10 months ago, it is an unlikely cause. Any factors that affect blood flow like atherosclerosis, compression of arteries etc can lead to such symptoms. Whatever the underlying cause, tissue necrosis is warranted immediate medical attention. Depending on the extent of necrosis further treatment ranging from use of antibiotics alone to debridement to surgery will be needed. So, please be advised to follow up with the emergency room as soon as possible. Hope this answers your question Please let me know if you need further clarification. Regards Dr.Lekshmi