QuestionI have a Morton's Neuroma in my foot. My podiatrist gave me 1 Depo Medrol Injection in my foot 3 weeks ago and it helped tremendously. He did state that I could get this injection 3 times a year if needed. My question is are there any side effects I should be concerned about with this drug? I also take birth control pills, is there any interaction to be concerned about?
AnswerHi Sandy,
What a good question. I have found over the years that women forget about mentioning they are on birth control (BCP), and it can cause a myriad of problems. Thank you so much for considering that in the course of your medical treatment.
As you know, or may not know, a Morton's neuroma is not a true tumor, but is considered, for general teaching, to be a benign tumor. It is actually a growth of nerve tissue/thickening, usually between toes, but can be anywhere in the body. Some of the symptoms of a MN is sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. The toes may sting or be numb. Burning pain is a very common type of pain when it involves a nerve or nerve tissue.
I will answer your questions, but just want to give you a few things you can do to help your foot. You want to avoid tight shoes and high heels. If you jog, or heavy physical exercise, you are going to need to take some rest periods for that foot. Arch supports and pads may be very beneficial. Ice massages can help. Taking ibuprofen may also relieve a good portion of pain. Try to avoid high aspirin intake when on any steroid.
Most importantly, please do NOT smoke if you are taking birth control in any form. I have seen women in their twenties come in with heart attacks and blood clots when using both.
That being said, birth control pills (I am not sure which type you are on...there are many forms) and corticosteroids (the same type of drug that DepoMedrol is), are used safely in control of acne. The only thing I would caution you on, since I do not know the name of your birth control, is that steroids may reduce the effect of your BCP. In other words, let your doctor know that you have received your injection of DepoMedrol. He/she may tell you, with your medication, that you also need to use alternative forms of caution, such as condoms, for a time, as a precaution.
The most common side effects of a DepoMedrol injection are pain after the injection, thinning of skin at the site of injection, joint disease or swelling, tendon thinning and infection. I have, in my years in a physician's office and in ER, rarely ever seen the above, except for the pain at the site.
DepoMedrol can only be given so often. The recommended is three to four times a year. More often, and you run into a myriad of problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. That is why your doctor is limiting your amount.
All steroids can cause facial flushing, hunger, weight gain when taken over a period of time, increased blood sugars in diabetics, and feelings of increased energy.
I hope this has been beneficial to you. Again, I appreciate your obvious intelligence when it comes to your health care.
Best wishes to you!
Andrea
