Suggest Treatment For Bursitis And Pain After Taking Cortisone Injections

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Both my thumbs hurt constantly at the base. I have had 2 xrays done at separate doctors and there is nothing wrong with the joints. My primary care physician says I have bursitis. To alleviate the pain, he has given me cortisone injections on two separate occasions. It worked! No pain for a couple months!! He said the last time he gave me an injection, "No more. You are going to have to go to a hand surgeon." I have already had carpal tunnel on my left hand. That was supposed to cure the pain and it didn't. I don't believe I even had carpal tunnel. I am right handed. My question is two fold:
(1) If the cortisone injections are working, why won't my PCP administer any more?
(2) What is a hand surgeon going to do for bursitis?
Please advise.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
there are side effects of multiple steroid injecti

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have studied your case.
Steroid injection shot has its side effects and can not be repeated again and again.
Steroid injection leads to increased chances of infection .
Osteoporosis is also common.
You may need perfect diagnosis and treatment from hand surgeon.
So I will advise you to consult hand surgeon.
For bursitis he may do laser or arthroscopic treatment.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T