Gravel in shoulders?

[Steve2002]

In the last few days in the process of reducing my Pred dose, I have noticed a slight increase in stiffness in both shoulders and a kind of clicking sound. I've heard it referred to as gravel when it occurs in the neck. Is this a common early sign of a flare or of reaching one's limit for dose reduction?

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Steven, both really. Rotator cuff syndrome is another possibility that can be caused by long term steroids weakening the tendons/ligaments in that area but, as both shoulders are involved, it is more likely to be a sign that you may have just decreased to a dose that is just that bit too low to keep a lid on the inflammation for now. Increasing back to where you last felt comfortable will, hopefully, provide the answer.

[Steve2002 in reply to Celtic]

Thanks, Celtic.

[pegzop in reply to Celtic]

I had PMR for 2 years and on Prednisone for that time period. I'm now off Prednisone. However I don't have full range of motion in my shoulders and suffer with pain. MRI showed some tendonitis and tears in both. Prednisone causes muscle tears as well as the PMR. Now doing physical therapy, massage and Chinese cupping to help and so far it is helping. I have been told by the doctors that the tendons should heal in time. It's a dilemma because Prednisone may alleviate the pain but causes damage to our muscles in the long run. If u can get off the Prednisone I think your muscles will recover in time. I will let u know as I progress. Be well and stay optimistic.

[Steve2002 in reply to pegzop]

Thanks for the info, Pegzop. I'm relieved that this little bump in the road is not necessarily the start of a flare, but discouraged to hear of yet another negative side-effect of the pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Steve2002]

I have strange clunking sounds if I try to rotate my shoulders - I put it down to the myofascial pain syndrome.

[Steve2002 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for sharing, Pro. My shoulders do sound/feel more like a clickity clunk than pure gravel.