PMR/GCA - Knee/ankle stiffness
Posted , 2 users are following.
I would be interested to know if any other sufferer of PMR/GCA out there experiences unabating stiffness of knees and ankles in spite of steroid dose. Although all my other symptoms of PMR/GCA improved on the high dose steroids (now on 5mg) this symptom has not. I also find that on going for a walk, after about 20-30 minutes, my legs weaken, pain worsens and I have to sit down. On continuously mentioning my leg situation to the rheumatologist on my vists, he says it is to do with my own muscles not the steroids. I am just a bit concerned that the steroids are in fact producing the symptoms! I hope everyone else out there is improving and able to enjoy life. Good wishes to all of you.
Mrs O.
0 likes, 4 replies
mrs_k
Posted
Here's the problem as it was explained to me although I have GCA and not PMR.
We are taking the \"wrong\" kind of steriod for physically active people. Athletes want to have anabolic steriods, pred is a catabolic (sp?) steriod, meaning that there is possible muscle atrophy over time.
So, even though it is harder to exercise, there is a more compelling reason to try to complete an exercise routine.
My friends who have PMR do Aqua fit/aerobics or swim and also power plates.
I have an exercise bicycle and whilst I can only use it for 3 minutes it helps.
mrs K
Guest
Posted
Thank you for your informative reply - you are always so helpful to everyone with their enquiries. What you say regarding the anabolic steroids versus the Prednisolone does, of course, make sense when it is explained. Before my PMR and GCA 3 years ago I did do aquarobics but have been concerned to try to go back because of the lowered immunity due to steroids and the ease of picking up infections although I gather this is not so risky when down to 5mgs dose. I'm also unsure whether I will manage the steps up and down into the pool but after this communication with you I will now give it a go. Do hope you are still improving.
Thank you again.
Mrs.O
mrs_k
Posted
I forgot to mention, that a TENS machine, can also relieve the pain when walking and as its not another 'pill'. It is also worth a try. They are not too expensive either. Loads of people use them for pain relief, sometimes they work on a particular type of pain, depending I think, on what and where it is.
Mine works on my shoulders when they ache, does nothing for the back pain.
I can also tell you, that I am now learning more than I ever wanted to know since GCA came along and steroids.
By the way there are some support groups in the UK located in Southend, Middlesbrough, Tayside and East Anglia and Somerset/Dorset. If you want contact details email pmrfighters@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs K
Guest
Posted
Thank you for your further reply re the TENS machine - I have now just bought one and will give it a try. I have also re-enrolled for aquarobics but have been asked by the gym to produce a GP's letter first. The aquarobics class is quite competitive and I may not be able to do it (even if I do manage to get down the steps into the water first!). I may try just walking in the water when I first return to the pool. I asked the instructor about the power plates you referred to and he described how they worked and they sound promising for these weakening muscles of mine. But he said because of my vertebrae problem he will first of all book me in with a fitness instructor to see what I could safely do. So something to look ahead to. I have recently taken up Chi Kung which is a very simple form of Tai Chi, with very gentle movement and breathing/meditation which is supposed tobe good for blood pressure. So, all in all, don't think I can do much more at the moment apart from pray that these horrible PMR and GCA conditions burn themselves out soon!!
Thank you so much for your kind and helpful advice and I do hope you are also going to recover soon.
Mrs.O