Steroid injections and injuries

I messed up my shoulder a few months back and the pain just won't quit.
It wasn't exactly broken or anything... they just had to pop it back into place at the ER, because before that, I couldn't even move my arm.
Fast forward a few months later and it still hurts like hell whenever I make a sudden movement. I still can't lift my arm high above my head, and don't even get me started on reaching out to the side.

My doctor sent me to see a Rheumatologist. She thinks my muscles might be permanently damaged and said she’ll probably give me a steroid injection in the shoulder to try and fix everything up inside.
All they gave me was some painkiller, which I really don't want to touch. I can't predict when my arm is going to suddenly jerk or when the actual stabbing pain is going to hit.

The whole Rheumatology thing feels super sketchy to me. It's not like I have rheumatoid arthritis; this was an injury. Plus, I keep hearing those steroid shots are terrible for your immune system and that they make you gain weight and all that junk.

Does anyone have any idea what I should actually be doing for this arm?
My doctor tells me to do exercises... but then the people at my gym tell me to be careful not to exercise it at all.
Should I just go through with the injection?

@Angela Kelly/">@@Angela Kelly
First off, have you had an ultrasound? It’s really the best way to see exactly what’s going on and how much damage there is to the musculoskeletal system.
Usually, it turns out to be bursitis or maybe a small tear—maybe just an inch or two.
I’ve got joint issues all over from working too hard and a few falls over the years. I even slammed my ribs into a steering wheel once, bruising them pretty badly; not to mention how much my arms and shoulders ache from bracing against the wheel while braking. Honestly, that was my last 1992 Mazda, and it didn't even have AirBug. It's the same deal with my plantar fascia. Whatever I have in my knees, elbows, or shoulders, I get regular steroid injections when needed. We always do them under ultrasound guidance so we can see exactly where the needle goes and check the current condition.

I don't think you'll just have one issue and be totally fine, though maybe if it's something minor.

Second question: are you feeling any tingling in your fingers?
Right now, I'm dealing with pinched nerves in my neck, specifically C8 and T1. The pain is unbearable; my arm feels completely numb, and at the same time, it stings and burns.
On top of that, I have osteoarthritis in my right shoulder along with bursitis and a tendon tear. It’s been six weeks now. They gave me a steroid shot for the shoulder, which helps me move my arm a little easier, but it doesn't do anything for my other issues.
I'm telling you this because sometimes you end up with two problems at once.

Around here, they perform the injections at the radiology clinic after a doctor diagnoses the issue via X-ray. It isn't too bad and doesn't hurt much, depending on the doctor and the facility. The whole thing takes just a few minutes; they use a local anesthetic along with the steroid.
Currently, I’m seeing an orthopedic specialist for my shoulder, and I'll have to follow up with a neurologist regarding my cervical spine.

When I had that hand issue, a Rheumatologist saw me, and I actually requested an ultrasound from my GP myself. After years of pain, that finally provided some relief.

Get an ultrasound first. If they can't see anything on the ultrasound, ask for an MRI of the shoulder, and if necessary, an MRI of the cervical spine.

P.S. Injections only provide temporary relief—I know from experience. If you keep moving and working fast, the pain comes right back. Since I've cut back on using my hands and knees as much over the last six months, I feel significantly better. For some injuries, you need rest and physical therapy, while others require protection and medical attention.

Good luck!🙂

Thanks, Jamie Clark74!
I ended up getting an X-ray, but no ultrasound—so I'm definitely going to push for that ultrasound next.

And honestly, maybe those steroid shots are exactly what triggered your immune issues... I’ve always hated the idea of just pumping a body full of steroids, and now seeing how much they use them in sports medicine? It's just wrong.

Ona007 said:thanks Jamie Clark74!
I had an X-ray, but no ultrasound—I'll definitely be asking for one.

And maybe those steroid shots are actually what caused your immune issues... I’ve never been a fan of pumping the body full of steroids, and now seeing how common they've become in sports medicine is a bit much.

Sometimes there isn't much choice but to use steroids. There's a huge difference between using them to treat a medical condition and someone using them excessively just for sports performance.

Take athletes chasing testosterone injections, for example. Meanwhile, I have to take it because of my
deficiency... I wonder how many athletes realize that testosterone can lead to prostate issues? For me, it's fine since I see my urologist every six months for checkups.
I'm under strict medical supervision anyway due to several medications.

Anyway, I wish you the best. If there's an issue, the ultrasound should catch it... and a few necessary injections won't hurt you.
good luck Jamie Clark74