PMR and carpal tunnel problems: Have any of you had... - PMRGCAuk

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PMR and carpal tunnel problems

nessonm profile image
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Have any of you had carpal tunnel problems on top of PMR. I've tapered to 5 mg. prednisone per day over the past 18 months, but I am now having carpal tunnel pain in both hands. Is anyone aware of a linkage?

The carpal tunnel symptoms are worst at 4-5 AM, which is also the period of IL-6 production (which I understand to be of major importance in the pain associated with PMR).

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nessonm
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11 Replies
30048 profile image
30048

I had, and still have carpal tunnel syndrome . I was told by a doctor from Stanford that it went along with the condition. I have GCA and PMR. . My rheumatologist never mentioned the connection. I had the left wrist operated on and it sent me into a flare. Caution advised. I never had it before .

piglette profile image
piglette

I had carpal tunnel before I was actually diagnosed with PMR but it went away when I started on the pred thank goodness.

Griggser profile image
Griggser

I used to suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome but it seems to have gone, not sure if that is related to taking steroids or not. I was told by my doctor that I could have surgery but always felt it was not severe enough. hope you find a solution.

Deeroy2015 profile image
Deeroy2015

I have had since onset of PMR. But decided against operation as felt it will go when things improve,as pred eases the pain.and don't think my body needs any more upsets.

Pinkladysuki profile image
Pinkladysuki

I too have carpal tunnel pain that at times has been so bad i didn't know what to do with my hands. My GP recommended that i try wrist and hand supports over night only. I have to say i was very sceptical that these would help, however i did buy some that were quite inexpensive and fastened with velcro. Nothing fancy. They are amazing. The difference they have had made is incredible. I am no longer kept awake at night by the severe pains i was experiencing before. All the redness and swelling has also dissapeared. Well worth a try.

MayH profile image
MayH

I had carpel tunnel syndrome in both wrists and was prescribed 'water tablets' by my GP. These helped dramatically for several years but eventually I had to have surgery on my right wrist which was successful.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

It's felt to be associated with, probably part of, PMR - and one of the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome is pred at similar doses to that used for PMR. Which would account for it appearing now you are at a low dose.

r-o-y-1 profile image
r-o-y-1

Not sure what Carpal tunnel in hands is but I have had severe pains in hands and also arm muscles at times having been diagnosed with PMR about 5 months ago- on 13mg of pred but I now take 5mg at night and 8mg in morning which has made pain easier in the morning.

Janbu profile image
Janbu

I had carpel tunnel syndrome for about six weeks. My rheumy sold me some wrist supports to wear a night and the outcome was amazing , after only a few nights things improved and continued to do so. I stopped wearing the after three weeks and it has never returned.

alice1940 profile image
alice1940

I have had surgery on both hands for carpel tunnel syndrome ( not at the same time ) was on 10 m of steroids for PMR at the time and had no problem both times was told to take painkillers for a few days after but didn't need any both hands have healed well and my hands are pain free now Alice

Hilaryjm profile image
Hilaryjm

Just seen this discussion. I had minor carpal tunnel symptoms before getting my PMR diagnosis, and all symptoms went away once on pred. But oh! how it all flared up once I finished taking the meds. I had surgery, and developed chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS). I had no idea PMR and CT were connected. And now I also have the heart condition atrial fibrillation, also linked to PMR. Be warned!

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