mesotherapy for tendonitis?

[debthaven]

I have had chronic tendonitis in my right hip for several years. I had an appt for my annual steroid infiltration today. The rheumatologist (who is also a friend) said she really didn't want to do it again because the steroids damage the tendon over time (which I know).

She now does mesotherapy too. She said she'd do whichever I wanted. I told her to decide. So she said to try the mesotherapy, even though it could take 2 or 3 sessions total (so another 1 or 2 sessions).

She is also a friend and neighbor. I trust her completely. She's not telling me this to increase the price (ie 3 appts instead of 1). 

Has anyone here had mesotherapy? Did it work? I've looked it up but most of what I've found is mesotherapy for aesthetic reasons (ie cellulite). It's a bit of a PITA to go 3 times but if it works it will be worth it.

I also have to get an MRI done but there's no rush for that since I'm being treated again now.
 

[alabamagal]

Google mesotherapy for pain and you will get better information.  Mesotherapy is any type of injection into the skin layer instead of the muscle layer.  So it is with a very short needle.  For you, it would likely be an injection of a pain medicine, probably some type of NSAID into skin layer, where it is slowly released and should provide pain relief in the area near the injection.  There is other ongoing research with pain medicine (NSAID and opiods) via extended release with injections in the area causing pain.  Side effects can be related to issues from the injection or reaction to the drug - you have likely taken most NSAIDs in the past so have a pretty good idea whether there will be a reaction.

I would ask you doctor how much experience that she has in this process.  Also verify that the drug is manufactured for use as an injectable.

I think it is worth trying, you can decide on the cost issue.  If it is not effective you can then try other treatments.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I'd get a consult with an orthopod at this point to check your hip status. 

No, I've not heard of it, but am getting steroid injections into my thumb joint.  They seem to be lasting about 3-4 months, and the surgeon has warned me when they stop working, I'll need surgery.  

[debthaven]

Thanks alabamagal ! That's very helpful info! She's been doing this for two years. And yes it was six short needles of NSAIDs plus some vitamins and minerals (I asked). I had six injections in quick succession. She explained that I shouldn't move for about a minute after the last one because it was for "extended release".

The Walk of the Penguin Mich I may eventually, after getting the MRI done. But the rheumatologist is adamant that there is nothing wrong with the joint itself (and past Xrays confirm this). Since I'm getting treated (again) now she said it would be better to do the MRI in 6 to 12 months (or sooner if the mesotherapy doesn't work, but she thinks it will).

[debthaven]

ETA: The Walk of the Penguin Mich from what I've read they do up to 4 steroid injections/year in the US. Here they don't like doing them more than once/year. So that's where she's coming from. I've been having one/year since 2012 and she didn't even want to do this year's.

I'm not saying that either way is right or wrong, just that that's how it is here, so that's what I have to work with.

[alabamagal]

I doubt the vitamins and minerals would do much, but the NSAIDs could help.  I work for a company that does pharmaceutical research primarily on extended release injections, but work in engineering not research.  I have gone to some of the presentations and amazed by the work being done in the field.  Our lunch and learn tomorrow is on pharmacokinetics, maybe I can ask some questions if I make it to the lecture.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Nov 2, 2017 17:19:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

ETA: The Walk of the Penguin Mich from what I've read they do up to 4 steroid injections/year in the US. Here they don't like doing them more than once/year. So that's where she's coming from. I've been having one/year since 2012 and she didn't even want to do this year's.

I'm not saying that either way is right or wrong, just that that's how it is here, so that's what I have to work with.

The thing is, I have a bone spur that has destroyed my joint (I've seen my X-ray, it looks ugly).  I know that the cortisone in my joint is merely a stopgap measure before surgery.  When they stop working, I'll either have to bite the bullet or lose function of my thumb.  Surgery means I lose use of the hand for a month.

I know that repeated injections into a tendon are not good.  I had a friend who had to have this.  I think she had it yearly for about 4 years, then it stopped working.  At that point, she had surgery to get her hip revised.  The cup on her replacement was impinging on the tendon, irritating it.

[dee27]

Nov 2, 2017 17:19:23 GMT -5 debthaven said:

ETA: The Walk of the Penguin Mich from what I've read they do up to 4 steroid injections/year in the US. Here they don't like doing them more than once/year. So that's where she's coming from. I've been having one/year since 2012 and she didn't even want to do this year's.

I'm not saying that either way is right or wrong, just that that's how it is here, so that's what I have to work with.

At my ortho practice, the doctors allow for two steroid injections per year for SI joints or hip joints. Shortly after the tainted steroid manufactured in MA, I stopped the injections (SI joints) and used PT to keep my body in alignment since the doctors knew the pain in the hip was due to an imbalance in the SI joints. After my second back surgery, the pain in my SI joints/hip disappeared.  I applaud the doctor who mapped my spine for fusion surgery because SI joint pain is relentless and literally brought me to my knees. I hope the new therapy gives you relief, Debt.

[dee27]

I had surgery on the thumb of my primary hand, and it is a long recuperation, but I am basically pain free except for really cold damp days in the winter. Months of PT helped me regain most of the function with the exception of using scissors to cut paper or material.