[Colin M]

I've developed inflammation in my right index finger knuckle area. It is swelled and very painful and I'm having a hard time using my hand, especially when trying to take off a bottle cap, etc. My doctor wants to give me a cortisone shot, but in the arm and not in the actually knuckle area. They said they only do that as a last result. Is that typical? Will it make me "blow up". What would any side effects be. Thanks.
My main question is not getting the shot but where they plan on giving it to me, in the arm and not in the actual knuckle on my hand.