Cortisone injection for tendinitis is hurting more. Why?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the brief history you have given, it seems like there is not much to worry about. First of all, I need to know some more detailed points. Where exactly in the wrist the shot was given? I mean is it the extensors of the thumb (de quervain) or is it for any other finger? Also, do you have thyroid issues? Sometimes when the large volume of fluid is injected into the tendon sheath and surrounding area, due to distension it can cause severe pain and patients do complain of exaggerated symptoms prior to injection. Small vessels must have been punctured (quite normal) which lead to extravasation of blood hence the bruise. It will take a few more days, but both the bruise and the bump should go away. Do apply ice packs there you will get you the necessary relief. Ganglion cysts are notorious for recurrence but highly unlikely to be associated or related to the injection. If you can send me a clinical picture that would be better. Splint is fine but you do need to mobilize your wrist for a very long time otherwise you might end up having stiff wrist (two to three weeks should not cause any stiffness). Understanding tendinitis is important you need a very specific rehab protocol and few medications and you should feel much better in few weeks time. Did you get your vitamin D levels tested? Kindly revert with the information.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It seems like you are having de quervains tenosynovitis. Basically it means that tendons of the first compartment have there sheath inflamed. You need to put in a splint for three to four weeks to keep your thumb in a position where these tendons are relaxed. So do continue with the splint. Ice packs are very important. Do apply them twice or thrice a day for 8-10 minutes. You can also apply Diclofenac gel locally, Trypsin, Bromelin and Rutoside one tablet twice a day after meals for five to seven days, Aceclofenac 200 mg sustained release once a day for five days, and Pantoprazole 40 mg OD before breakfast for five days. These will help to reduce the edema. Our primary aim is to decrease the edema and make the tendon silent. Second is to look for a cause. So I would suggest thyroid profile, Vitamin D3 levels, and serum uric acid. If there is no above said reason (tests are normal) it means it is due to overloading the tendons and weak muscle belly. Too many steroid injection risk tendon rupture in the long run so I will not advise too many shots. There are collagen supplements (undenatured collagen type 2) along with Aflapain and Glucosamine which actually improve the tendon’s quality and helps you to recover. Once your pain is reduced and movements are relatively pain-free, then you need to start with exercises starting from isometric strengthening to isotonic stretches (we can get to these after you are pain-free). Get your labs done accordingly the treatment can be modified.