Cortisone injections

[TravellingSonn]

Hi all,

I depart for my Camino adventure within 5.5 weeks. Given the tendinitis is still lurking about my last plan of action is to have a cortisone injection in my ankle/foot. I'm curious to know has anyone else treated tendinitis with cortisone injections? If so, was it a successful outcome for you?

Thanks a mil & bonne chemin
Sonia

 

[newfydog]

Here's a massive statistical analysis of two:

My wife had one in her knee years ago which did not help a bit.

I had one in my neck two weeks ago which has been a miracle cure.

 

[TravellingSonn]

So there's a 50/50 chance of it working :wink:

If this doesn't work, no camino for me

My fingers and toes are crossed.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I had one in a shoulder, and it worked great. I then had one for an ankle/achilles tendon, and it did not seem to work. I had gone right back into training for the camino after the ankle shot, and it seems that you need to stay off it for a couple of weeks! So the shoulder worked because it moved it very little. The ankle did not work because I continued to exercise.

 

[MichaelB10398]

I have had cortisone shots in my shoulder quite often and they have unfailing been a source of great pain relief. Given the location of your pain, I would strongly recommend the shot and I suspect it will result in the gift of having a pain free Camino. HOWEVER, just because you receive the shot does not indicate you are healed. It means that the medication has worked to reduce the swelling among other things. You need to take it easy for the first several days and even when you feel great, monitor how many kilometers you are going each day and don't over-exert yourself.

Taking it slow and easy at first will allow your body to adjust and work through some of the common issues with walking daily for 15 to 20 kms. Be kind to your body and it will be kind to you. Have a great Camino

 

[TravellingSonn]

Falc & Michael,

Thank you both for sharing.

I've exhausted every avenue it's been over a year now and the tendonitis hasn't settled as much as I would have hoped. It's located in my ankle. Cortisone injection is my last resort. Wish me luck!

I have every intention going nice and slow on this Camino.

Thanks,
Sonn

 

[TravellingSonn]

Hi guys,

Thought I'd report back and let you know I ended up having a cortisone injection in both my knee and foot today. I need to rest it for the next 5 days. Fingers crossed my body takes to it.

Only 12 days to go!

 

[CaroleH]

Thinking of you Sonia and praying the injections do the trick for you. I too, am having ankle problems and due to fly out to Spain in 2 weeks time. Still hoping to do about 10 days on the VdlP, but we'll see. . .
Buen camino. Carole

 

[Corwen]

I understand they help in the short term but make matters worse long term. Have you tried all the other approaches? Super light pack (under 4 kilos), orthotic insoles, walking poles, chiropractic/osteopathy/podiatry?

 

[Wotever]

I too am looking for solutions for post camino Frances tendonitis in my ankle due to pronation. I feel a weakness and dull ache when I first get out of bed that gradually fades throughout the morning. I finished my last camino 8 months ago and am planning another in September and am thinking of getting some insoles to correct the pronation. I really don't want to change my already camino proof walking boots but is there anyone with insole knowledge who could confirm that using them with worn heeled boots would be effective?

 

[newfydog]

I have high hopes for you.... we are one the trail and my neck is the best it has been in ages.

let us know.....

 

[TravellingSonn]

Carole, I hope you find a treatment right for you. All the best for your Camino. I hope it's a fruitful experience.

For a long time we thought I had tendinitis. As it turns out, I have 2 separate issues with my ankle/foot. At the back of my ankle there's a fracture which never fully healed. When aggravated it inflames. The other issue is worn away cartilage between 2 bones located at the top of my foot which causes a pinch like pain at times. I had cortisone injected into this part of my foot as well as my knee (due to a bruised fat pad from excessive training and having a high kneecap). I've been advised to rest for 5 days. Sunday will be the test! Wish me luck.

I understand cortisone injections only provide a band-aid solution. In my defence I have exhausted all other avenues. Given the duration of this walk, it's my last option! I don't intend on treating the injuries with cortisone after my Camino.

Buen camino to you all,
Sonia

 

[CaroleH]

All the best Sonia and buen camino.

 

[TravellingSonn]

Thanks Carole!

 

[Kathy F.]

Sonia,
I'm sorry to hear about your continuing troubles with your foot/ankle. With your Camino soon approaching, you must feel extra anxious to be in good shape again, especially after such a long time.
I had a cortisone shot for a "frozen shoulder" and it provided almost instant relief. I was advised that I would probably need shots every few months - as you said, it would be just a band-aid. That was five years ago and I'm still pain fee. I never needed to go back for a second shot (although I would if I needed to - it was that miraculous).
However, the shoulder is not a load bearing limb. The leg is. That may be your biggest challenge for recovery. Are you using crutches? If not, might I suggest you get a pair and truly take the weight off that leg for a few days longer than the doctor suggests? You've got nothing to lose at this point and it may give you the extra time you need to recover more completely.
You may feel foolish walking around with crutches but, so what? You have more important issues than how you look at this point.
Just my 2 euros!
Kathy

 

[Kitsambler]

I too am looking for solutions for post camino Frances tendonitis in my ankle due to pronation. I feel a weakness and dull ache when I first get out of bed that gradually fades throughout the morning. I finished my last camino 8 months ago and am planning another in September and am thinking of getting some insoles to correct the pronation. I really don't want to change my already camino proof walking boots but is there anyone with insole knowledge who could confirm that using them with worn heeled boots would be effective?

I suggest you take yourself, and your boots, to your local podiatrist/foot specialist. Get the real assessment and a real solution for your particular situation.

 

[harryandleather]

Hi Sonn,
The recent cortisone injection to my painful shoulder has been a huge help. I wasn't sure I would be able to carry a pack on the Camino (we are starting on May 19th)-(and would have to endure the seemingly severe judgement of some fellow pilgrims if I had to send my pack ahead). I read in other posts that the shoulder might be an easier place for cortisone to work because it's fairly stable, unlike the ankle or foot. So I feel lucky about that. I would agree that carrying a lighter pack, using walking sticks, icing frequently and walking shorter distances/resting often might work for you. Good luck!

 

[TravellingSonn]

Hi guys,

Thank you all for your support and sharing your thoughts. I am anxious about this walk because of these injuries. My last 'decent' walk was around Easter time. Since having the cortisone injections on Monday I'm resting as much as I can. Like I said earlier on, Sunday will be the big test.

I've been planning my pilgrimage for the past 1.5 years. As some of you know, I'm walking for charity in memory of my Dad who passed away from cancer in 2011. So you can imagine just how anxious and emotional I've been these last 6 weeks.

Will I make it? Who knows?! Only time will tell. All I know is, I've done as much as I possibly can for these injuries. Atleast my pack will be transported daily and I have 38 days up my sleeve to complete it in. I pray to my Dad to protect me and walk by my side.

I wish you all a beautiful Camino experience.

Thanks again,
Sonia