2 Unrelated Questions RE: Cortisone shot in foot and Metformin

[jmarie]

I have a feeling that on January 24th, my Doctor is going to put me on Metformin. Can any of you give me insight on what to expect when I start taking this medication?

Also, after 6 weeks of physical therapy, 3 days a week, my foot (Plantar Fasciitis) is not much better. The Doctor listed a couple of things in this order:
PT, if that didn't help, shots, orthodic, night splint.

I had a shot in my elbow once and I was in so much pain from that shot, that it literally made me sick for three days. It literally felt like I had hit my crazy bone really hard and hurt like that for three days. Can anyone tell me what I can expect from the shot if she says, Thursday that TODAY IS THE DAY?

Thanks!
Joyce

[Cookin4Love]

I had several in my foot for plantar fasciitis. I can tell you that they hurt like a b!tch going in, and my foot was pretty painful for a couple of days. After that, I got some relief. I had some residual pain, but it was within tolerance. In my case, however, I developed a bone spur at the mid-foot, which is what I broke while on vacation. The ER Doc said it was because the tendon wasn't supporting the foot properly. I see a specialist next week.

FWIW, I've had cortisone shots in several places. In each instance, I've had a day or two of pain afterward, but nothing as severe as what you describe, and the result has been worth it.

[jmarie]

I see a specialist next week.

Can I ask if you are seeing an Orthopedist or a podiatrist?

[sneezles]

As to the Metformin be sure you have liver blood work done from time to time. My doctor put me on it when I was diagnosed back in '04 but after reading up on it I told him I didn't want to take it. He then prescribed Starlix (pretty expensive since I don't have copay on drugs). I then lost the weight and got rid of all meds.

[ellery]

Oddly enough I have experience with both. ;)

The cortisone shot in my foot hurt like nobody's business going in, and I was a little tender the rest of the day, and after that it was fine. I think it did a pretty good job of easing my considerable discomfort.

The Met I was on for a few months - my stomach was a little unhappy for a few days when I first started it, and when the doseage was increased, but other than that I was fine. From what I've heard from others, what you're eating in general can impact your reaction to the Met. For example, if you're a big fan of carbs, you may have some GI distress. A lot of people follow the South Beach diet or something similar and do fine on the Met.

Good luck!

[cangoss]

From what I've heard from others, what you're eating in general can impact your reaction to the Met. For example, if you're a big fan of carbs, you may have some GI distress. A lot of people follow the South Beach diet or something similar and do fine on the Met.

Good luck!

This has been my experience. (taken with a grain of salt - I've only been on it for six weeks and it's for polycystic ovarian syndrome rather than diabetes). As long as I stay away from simple sugars and eat lots of fiber, I'm fine. But if I eat crap, watch out. I also had a day of GI distress each time the dose was increased.

[stefania4]

I'm unfamiliar with Metformin; I was never on any prescription meds for plantar fasciitis.

I agree that the shot hurt like a !#$@$# going in, despite the "freezing" spray they applied to my heel. I tried to stay off my foot for a day or two, then it felt much better. However, a cortisone shot really doesn't heal anything and can't be done more than a few times without risk of damage to the tissue, so I never got another one.

Orthotics help some. Truthfully, my best and most lasting relief comes from daily calf-stretches.

Good luck!

[Cookin4Love]

Can I ask if you are seeing an Orthopedist or a podiatrist?

A podiatrist. Hopefully, he can tell me what to do about this chunk of bone hanging around in my foot without any friends!

[jmarie]

I'm unfamiliar with Metformin; I was never on any prescription meds for plantar fasciitis.

OH! The Metformin is for something totally unrelated to the cortisone shot.
I am insulin resistant and that is why the Metformin.

I was just trying to kill two birds with one stone!;)
THANKS!
Joyce

[Goldie]

I've had one cortisone shot for Plantar Fasciitis. Yes, it hurt going in, but nothing you can't tolerate. I had a funny little pain episode on the way home in the car, which was pretty intense, but died down pretty quickly. (The podiatrist did warn me that for some people, it actually hurts worse before it starts to feel better. ) Then the next day it felt GREAT, and for the next 3 weeks or so.

My PF is gradually improving with orthotics, the night splint, and doing yoga. I haven't had any more shots, and I'm able to go for long walks now without being crippled the rest of the day. I have a hunch mine may never completely go away, but it IS improving.

[jmarie]

I had PF in my right foot several years back, and the PT along with the prescription strength Motrin fixed it. Hasn't really bothered me since. But this is a whole 'nother ball of wax. I can be relaxing, resting the foot, all will be going well, no movement in the foot or anything and then BAM..... the strangest, most intense burning pain..like someone is in there digging around.

I basically refused the shot last time, I have one more day to decide.

THANKS! for all of your responses.

[ktg0930]

When starting on metformin, your doctor should start you on a low dose, usually 500 mg once or twice daily, and then increase slowly to the maximum dose which is 2550 mg/day (for the immediate release tablets). The extended release tablet usually starts at 500 mg daily and increases by 500 mg weekly to the maximum dose of 2000 mg daily.

Like pp have said, the GI side effects can be unpleasant, especially when starting and at the time of dosage adjustments.

Your doctor should also check your renal function prior to starting therapy and then at least annually. You should also be sure to drink enough water/liquids.Also, if you have any radiologic tests wit hcontrast dye, you will need to stop the drug temporarily for those tests.