Cortisone shot - it this really the way to give one for my problem

[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.

[essentiallysolo]

they are giving it in the arm because your knuckle could not handle the pressures of the injection in such limited tissue, it would do more damage, not help the situation. And no matter where they inject, the blood stream carries it to all parts of your body anyway. One shot is not going to cause any nasty side effects, those only occur with long term use of steroid therapy.