Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Thank you for your advice, I had thrid alcohol injection. I hope pain goes away.
Well, my question is,
My wife had a contisone injection for her neuroma, if I knew, it can cause fat atrophy and damage nerve, I would stop her, but it is done.  I hope it does not happen to her.
After the cortisone injection, she took MRI test, there is a mild edema within the interosseous muscles between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals distally.  She did not have edema before injection.  Do you think the injection cause edema?
Does edema cause soft tissue or muscle atrophy or any other problem?
I am so worried about the pat pad atrophy and any side effect from the cortisone injection for my wife.
Please, let me know.
Thank you so much.

Regard
Sung

ANSWER: Cortisone causes atrophy in large quantities.  I use cortisone injections for neuromas first line.  It should not cause edema, but the MRI may have picked up the fluid from the injection.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick answer.
Actually, she took the MRI a week after the injection, do you think the fluid still could be there after a week?
She did not have any response from the cortisone, actually, it got worsen.  I heard it should be less pain after the cortisone.  Her doctor just told us, some people don't work with cortisone.  I am wondering the doctor injected the cortisone correct area.  What if the doctor inject the cortisone in wrong area?  Is it going to cause any problem? like sife effect of the cortisone?
I am sorry to ask too many question.  Her doctor did not answer our question, just saying some people don't work.
Thank you very much.

Regard
Sung


Answer
It is possible, and it is true that some don't react to cortisone.  It sounds like the doctor leaves you with more questions than answers.  Perhaps you should seek a second opinion.

All the best,
Andrew Schneider, DPM

http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com
http://www.houstonrundoc.com
http://www.facebook.com/HoustonPodiatrist
http://www.twitter.com/HoustonFootDoc