Post Cortisone Shot - 16 days and still pain?

[RyanGrob]

I received a cortisone shot in my bicep tendon 2 weeks this past wednesday. My doctor said I could start light liftin' this wednesday, 2 weeks post shot (it's been 16 days post shot). Well, I got a nasty cold earlier this week and thought I wouldn't risk it. I was doing some stretches for the first time today to see how it is, and it still hurts. One that gets it is when I pull my arm across my chest and put my other arm vertical across it's elbow, it doesn't hurt while stretching but when I let go man that sumbitch hurts right where he stuck the needle.

I don't think he misplaced the shot - this doc has contracts with Michigan State University sports, including football, where he has administered this shot many times.

Is it normal for it still to give this sort of soreness/pain? Regular day to day stuff is fine, it's just when I stretch it seems to act up in a sharp pain afterwards. Any input is appreciated!

[kuriusredhead]

If this were me, I'd be making another appointment with the doctor. I've had many injections and I normally have some relief after a week. I hurt like crazy like a day or two after I'd get the injection. And then I'd gradually improve. But I don't know why you'd still have tenderness in the area. I'm not sure why you needed the injection. But I wouldn't be comfortable with lifting weights if streching the tendon made me hurt. Although it could just be tight. Maybe trying icing it and take some Advil for a day or two to see if you have any improvements before calling the doctor for a follow up? I guess it depends on how much you hurt. Just my thoughts. I hope you feel better soon.

[skuat_king]

i took two cortisone shots in my shoulder for tendonitis, and its been two months and i still hurts, its too depressing, i ve tried ice and advil but nothing works, the pain from the needle stays only for two days, but the kind a pain you are complaining about is from your injury that hasnt healed yet. i am frustrated as i dont have insurance and i cant get an MRI to see whats going on, the shot helped bring down the pain to a limit, but it still hurts me when i do push ups and try to raise my arm over head, taking rest is not working either, ive lost 10 lbs of muscle in 2 months. it hurts me when i put my arm across my chest and press it with the other arm. i dont wanna see the doc again coz he will give me another shot which will not work, my plan is too see an orthopedic surgeon and get a prescription of an X ray or an MRI, maybe that will lead me to the problem. im just waiting to get approved for my insurance. good luck.

[RyanGrob]

If this were me, I'd be making another appointment with the doctor. I've had many injections and I normally have some relief after a week. I hurt like crazy like a day or two after I'd get the injection. And then I'd gradually improve. But I don't know why you'd still have tenderness in the area. I'm not sure why you needed the injection. But I wouldn't be comfortable with lifting weights if streching the tendon made me hurt. Although it could just be tight. Maybe trying icing it and take some Advil for a day or two to see if you have any improvements before calling the doctor for a follow up? I guess it depends on how much you hurt. Just my thoughts. I hope you feel better soon.

This shot was not given on the first visit. I took 4 weeks off then tried to go back, same pain. Was on 2 weeks of powerful oral anti-inflammatory and another 2 weeks off, still had pain when I came back light. The pain was in the front delt area, and hurt while bench pressing. I then saw a shoulder specialist and explained how I've tried to cure this already. He offered 2 things; ultra sound around the area to look around, or cortisone shot into my bicep tendon since I was diagnosed with Bicep Tendinitis. I took the shot, the first few days hurt like hell. It was a lot better after the first couple days. When I tried stretching the other day, it hurt like mad. I have taken your advice and stretched it more, it feels a LOT better. I'm going to continue through this week, and trying strengthening exercises to help get it back up there and easy back into the weights lightly. I have an appt with the doc on October 2nd and will keep it if I can't lift lightly by then. Thank you for your advice.

i took two cortisone shots in my shoulder for tendonitis, and its been two months and i still hurts, its too depressing, i ve tried ice and advil but nothing works, the pain from the needle stays only for two days, but the kind a pain you are complaining about is from your injury that hasnt healed yet. i am frustrated as i dont have insurance and i cant get an MRI to see whats going on, the shot helped bring down the pain to a limit, but it still hurts me when i do push ups and try to raise my arm over head, taking rest is not working either, ive lost 10 lbs of muscle in 2 months. it hurts me when i put my arm across my chest and press it with the other arm. i dont wanna see the doc again coz he will give me another shot which will not work, my plan is too see an orthopedic surgeon and get a prescription of an X ray or an MRI, maybe that will lead me to the problem. im just waiting to get approved for my insurance. good luck.

I'm sorry to hear that. I have lost an incredible amount of weight also and it definitely sucks. X-Ray will only show joint and bone issues, not much more. This pain is not what I felt before the shot. This was EXACTLY where the shot went in. Since stretching, it has felt a ton better. I wish you luck on your recovery and hope your insurance approves you for your requests.


Thanks for the responses from both of you. I hope this issue goes away as I am eager to get back in

[attardwayne]

Hey man I know this Thread is old but I'll have to try my luck.
I got the same problem I went to PT for like more then 2 months she said I had bicep tendon in both of my shoulders but the right one was worse. Anyway she told me to take the cortison and I did in a Private hospital with ultrasound cost me a bunch of money, The doctor that gave me the injections told me to rest 1 week so did the physio and I did was feeling abit better first week but after a few days felt that pintch again and even the inflamation in my right shoulder side was again happening. Second week I went to the physio again she said its nothing bla bla and she said I can begin again with light weight 1 week from that day (3 weeks off from the cortison) The 3rd week came I went to the gym chest day it was I did machines only no benchs with HALF the weight I used to do and with alot of rest in between but still I felt it and the day after I woke up worse. I dont know what to do anymore man I really dont I dont wanna give up on my dream any suggetions? or better what did you do after?
Thanks.

[andrevr]

i have the same problem!! it hurts like a bitch!