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[Michelle46]

Hi ladies
I've been to my doctor last week and she said I have osteoarthritis in my big toe joint,ankle and finger. I think I knew this but just left it. She recommended a steroid injection in the foot. Am I correct in thinking that osteoarthritis is common when we are in menopause transition? I read somewhere it said nearer the end of perimenopause.

[Liz]

I've got a touch of it in my knuckles, started about 3/4 years ago (I'm 48 now).  Mine eases when on HRT but started hurting again when I stopped it.  It's definitely hormonal, I've been told.

[CLKD]

OA is general wear and tear.  The discs rub and cause pain.  A steroid injection can help, like a bit of WB40 - have you tried over-the-counter pain relief?

The big toe is the balancing digit.  Gets a lot of impact. 

[Michelle46]

Yes I'm on HRT but it hasn't helped for that. Also no over the counter Meds help unfortunately but thanks

[star35]

I have this in one of my fingers and my thumb, I also found that no over the counter meds helped. Only thing that helps me is the injection.

[Michelle46]

Hi Star
Did it really hurt to have it done. Also how long does it last? X

[CLKD]

It hurts!  I've held many a hand as the patient has been given needles ……… 

[lorrapaw]

I only got diagnosed with osteoarthitis about six months ago. But i went through an early menopause about 15 years ago so wonder if that caused it. My knuckles swell up so i had to have wedding and engagement rings sizd up.

[star35]

Hi Michelle
It hurts just as the needle goes in but only for a second but we'll worth it for the relief you get afterwards.
My husband comes with me and as long as I keep talking to him it is enough to distract me and I don't really feel it any more.
They tell you try not to use your hands for 48 hours,I do rest them but it is normally about a week or sometimes 2 before I really feel the benefit. It then last me between 4 to 6 months depending on what sort of work I've been doing.
Do let me know if you have it done and how you get on. Good luck.

[Michelle46]

Thanks Star
I would be having the injection in my big toe joint. I suppose I would have to give it a couple of days before going back to work? I am seriously thinking of having it now x

[CLKD]

At least a couple of days for a weight bearing joint.

Glad to hear that you aren't aware of the needle star35. 

[Elizabethrose]

Hi Michelle

I'd recommend you go for it! My joint pain started in peri and has definitely got worse as the years have gone by. I had a steroid injection deep into my hip and it hurt but wasn't really grim and all is over and done with pretty quickly. If it helps resolve your problem it's worth doing. A pal was diagnosed with RA recently after a very sudden flare up left her swollen and in a great deal of pain. The steroid jab really helped her within a couple of days.

Good luck.

[star35]

My daughter had it in her big toe joint to help with pain while she was waiting for her operation, not arthritis though. She didn't even feel it but she did have 2 days off of work because she is on her feet all day.