PMR sufferer

[Pbjr]

I am on 6mg at present and have a lot of pain in my knees both during the day and also at night in bed doctor does not want to up the Pred any higher. Does anyone know of anything to help to get relief from pain apart from paracetamol. Pbjr

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It all depends what is causing the knee pain - it would be unusual for just knee pain to be due to a flare of the PMR because the dose is too low. Does more pred deal with the pain?

"doctor does not want to up the Pred any higher" - seems a strange way to put it. 6mg is a low dose, if 7mg made the pain better it would still be a pretty low dose.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Pbjr,

Difficult to say, do you know what the pain is? Is it PMR do you think or could it be arthritis? If it's PMR then only extra Pred will help, if it's arthritis then paracetamol combined with a gel might help. Some people swear by Flexiseq, but I'm afraid it does nothing for my OA. There are various others on the market, but don't used ibruprofen.

Some say if you lay on your side at night with a pillow between your knees it does relieve the pain. I use a hot water bottle sometimes.

I think you need to confirm what is causing it first, then if GP is unhelpful try your local pharmacist.

Sorry can't be more help.

[olive2709]

This might sound daft but are you keeping your knees warm . Mine get painfully if cold, I use thermal long John's under trousers inside the houses cheep ones from Primark .If going out put better thermals on in my case ski ones leave trousers on back of chair till needed. Night time bed socks +Soft Jersey PJs this works 90%of the time for me

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to olive2709]

Have you ever tried the neoprene knee supports? I used them for years when skiing - not because they are strong enough to prevent knee injuries but they do make your knees feel much more comfortable when they don't get cold.

[Pbjr in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your help. Have not tried that but think I may do so.

[Pbjr in reply to olive2709]

Thank you for your reply. I will give your comments a try as my knees are always feeling cold during the day time. I did try these gel bags you heat up in the microwave which I found quite good in the house. Thanks again.

[HeronNS]

Great idea. Are there "sleepers" for adults like babies wear? Could sure use those in our climate! I, too, have found that coldness brings pain, but I don't always remember that when I am half asleep.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Do you mean what our generation in the UK called baby-gros? They have been reborne as "onesies" and in all sizes. Some come with, some without feet. Fair enough to wear to bed - but they are to be found all over the High St in the daytime...

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I called them sleepers. 1970s, 80s. Here the onesies seem to be mainly the garment without arms or legs. Not having any babies in the family I am only speculating that they are used instead of t-shirts which invariably left baby's midriff bare. The sleeper without the feet is a jumpsuit according to the online Sears catalogue.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

In the UK onesies are definitely with arms and legs! Not one of the really high class developments in fashion either... But very practical when it is cold! My 1980s babies had these all-in-one vests and pants that stopped their nappies (diapers) slipping - babygros.

[Pbjr]

How true. Nor do I.

[autrainriver]

You are the first person that I have read experiencing a similar complaint about the knees. I live in rural Michigan and the doctors have been baffled by my symptoms and although it is diagnosed as PMR I am waiting till I can get to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin for a true workup (I hope) versus the five minutes the doctors give you here. The Mayo appt is in mid-January. Have had this since onset in early September. I make myself use a recumbent exercise bicycle everyday one to three times a day for 20 minutes and walk at least 30 minutes outside. That's what I have gotten myself up to since I began over a month ago. I found this helps with pain and stiffness and my ability to stand. The ache and soreness in the calves and thighs also diminishes through activity and then it is the same routine all over again.