Asthma treatments and stress fractures

[asthmaticclimber]

Hi,

Hope everyone is staying safe.

I have severe asthma and was on high dose pred for many months last year and many other times.

About 1 year ago I started jogging a little in the hope it might improve my fitness post a bad asthma exacerbation but I developed really awful hip pain. Dr advised given my previous high steroid use for extended periods of time I might be prone to stress fractures and I had to stop running.

No over a year later and after another bad bout of asthma around christmas time I’m trying to loose the steroid weight again but this time trying some at home workouts. I’m really enjoying them and I feel like it is helping my lungs a bit honestly but...

I’ve now got ankle pain!

I am also very hyper mobile and so initially I thought it was ligament but it doesn’t really bother me too much standing and walking normally but gets quite bad if I have to jump.

Concerned it might be another beginning of a stress fracture, am I being over concerned or is this something anyone else has experienced?

Stay safe everyone x

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

As all we severe asthmatics know prolonged steroid use can lead to osteopenia/osteoporosis and thus make us more likely to fracture. If you haven’t had a DEXA scan recently it’s worth asking for a referral if you can just to see your bone health and if you should be worried about it.

RN I’d suggest going to get it xrayed to check it hasn’t fractured, but either way it will need rest for a bit (be it soft tissue or bone) so try to stay away from high impact stuff like jumping for a couple weeks!

Hope it’s nothing and clears up quickly for you!

[asthmaticclimber in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks great advice will do x

[Tengudreams in reply to asthmaticclimber]

Are you on any bone supplements to help? Find some calcium and vit D together if youre not already on it?

[asthmaticclimber in reply to Tengudreams]

I’m have a multivitamin but will check specifically for those to thanks!

[Angelgoth]

I have osteopenia caused by prednisolone mainly in my hip bone, diagnosed by a Dexa scan. I take calcium and vitamin d supplements. Sounds like u might need dexa scan to.

Might be worth asking about taking supplements to if you don't already take them.

[asthmaticclimber in reply to Angelgoth]

Great advice, will look into getting a DEXA scan

[Poobah]

Definitely take a really good dose of VitD3 alongside calcium. Avoid salt as it saps the calcium. Weight bearing exercise is a must - walking being the best. Resistance exercise is also very good - and you will build good muscle strength which eats calories. If your DEXA test shows a decline in bone health then your doctor will probably prescribe Bisphosphonates.

[ninelives]

I haven't had a stress fracture yet (have large bone lesion) but do have osteoporosis from high doses of prednisolone over 16 years for severe asthma /copd

Have you had a dexa scan recently?

As you will already know diet is so important for bones, others have given great advice in the replies above.

I do wish you well.

[asthmaticclimber in reply to ninelives]

I have never had a dexa scab but is something that had been suggested to me before will look into it

[Tengudreams]

For weight bearing exercise, I use a weighted vest for my walking. Something to consider?

[asthmaticclimber in reply to Tengudreams]

That’s a very good idea!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to asthmaticclimber]

Just a warning with weighted vests (or the current trend for weighted blankets etc)... they can be an issue for asthmatics. If you want to go that route try before you buy, make sure they have a decent returns policy or hope you have someone to gift it too... 😅