Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
MY KNEE JAB HASN’T WORKED
Q Two weeks ago, I had a steroid injection in my knee as I have arthritis there, but I’m still in pain and it’s going up to my thigh. I’ve had injections before, and they have all helped. Is it possible that the injection hasn’t worked this time and, if so, could I have another one in a few weeks’ time?
A Injecting steroid into a joint to reduce inflammation usually works quite quickly. If you have had no relief within four weeks, your doctor may be willing to repeat the injection at that stage. However, we try to limit joint injections to four in total as giving more than this increases the risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones) later in life.
Can I stop the supplements?
Q My GP suggested I should start taking a daily vitamin D supplement last autumn as I was feeling very rundown and tests showed that my levels were low. She told me that I could buy them over the counter, which I have been doing, and they do seem to have improved my energy. But how long should I keep going with this? There seems to be conflicting advice online.
A Government advice is that children aged over four and all adults should take a daily dose of 10mg (or 400IU) of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. Most of us shouldn’t need the supplements from the end of March to late September as we should get enough vitamin D from a balanced diet and sunlight on the skin.
HELP FOR MY HOT FLUSHES
Q When I was 36, I was told to stop taking the
