I have ruptured my Achilles’ tendon and am now in a plaster cast. The surgeon told me that prednisone weakens tendons and they are not as strong. Is there any way that this can be helped? I’m thinking nutrients in food which might help? Has anyone else had tendon problems?
Thanks, Sue
I'll be very interested to see responses to your question as I've been having unexplained problems with my upper arms and think I can only blame pred effects.
I am thinking the upper arm problems is symptoms of the PMR. Upper arms and shoulders is and was a sign for me as well as pain elsewhere at times. But the shoulders are a big part of this condition.
I don't think so. It's not a bit like the pain I had before diagnosis, and involves stabs of sharp pain when moving into certain positions. I've had PMR since 2014, apparently, treated since 2015, and this has been a developing issue over the past year.
I’d like to hear what others say and I hope there is an answer for you. I do know that when I described my painful shoulders to the rheumy first time around, he commented that he would test me for PMR. I couldn’t even sit in my recliner if my arms weren’t held in a certain position. Sure enough I had it. Perhaps it morphs to different pain sensations as we go along? I don’t know. I know you’ve had this long before I was diagnosed and are much more knowledgeable than I am. May we all find relief as we travel through this journey.
Thank you Nymima01. When I was undiagnosed there were things I had trouble doing, like reaching behind my back to do up my bra (became impossible), or turning to look out the back window when reversing the car (thought I'd have to give up driving) or pushing myself up off the floor after struggling through my exercises (still remember the evening it took me half an hour to get up). This pain in nothing like that. It feels and behaves like an injury.
Ditto ditto ditto. My theory is that the inflammation from the early days caused damage and even tho I may not have active inflammation, the areas most affected by PMR are more prone to become irritated. It is the only explanation I can think of for why my taper is just about to 6 now and going well, my energy is more consistent but I'm having more use induced or exercise induced pain. Tylenol helps, but it is a bit worrisome and I wish I knew what to do to help this particular "gift"of PMR/,Pred.
Hi, I’ve been having problems with my tendons for a while. It started about 3 years ago, when I was having a protest about my meds, as I thought that Leflunomide was the cause, and stopped taking it for a whilst upping the pred. Anyway long story etc., went back on them and that together with orthotics gradually helped. However I’m now having problems again with my left ankle, and I’m sure this is because the tendons are very weak. I suppose as ever it’s the rock and the hard place, as the meds keep us mobile,but they also give us other problems.
Hi All,
I have dreadful trouble with my shoulders. Three snapped tendons and a rotator cuff tear in my left shoulder. A few weeks ago I was putting a small carton on the lowest shelf of my cupboard. My arm wasn’t even fully extended. The most excruciating pain shot through my right shoulder so much that I screamed. Since then I haven’t been able to do ordinary household tasks. I have trouble dressing and undressing as well as showering. I can drive with great pain. Had a scan which showed tears in the muscle and a huge bursa which showed recent bleeding into it. Am awaiting a very urgent appointment to the shoulder clinic at my local teaching hospital. I blame pred for my problems.
Liz.
Hi Suedeshayes - I can sympathise with your plight - ouch! I haven’t considered a tie-up between Pred and tendon problems until your post - in a routine act of throwing (last July), I felt something ‘go’ atop my right shoulder. It’s been painful ever since and I can often feel/hear a ‘click’, as tho’ something’s torn and not holding the joint fully in place? Just hoping it will heal on its own accord but didn’t expect it to take over 6 months! Pred dose at the time was only 6mg, now down to 3.5mg daily.
Good luck with your recovery.
I'm pulling muscles in my lower rib cage, back and front - one before Xmas pinged so hard I screamed out. This week, whilst coughing, something snapped in my back and now coughing hurts.
So sorry to hear about your tendon problems. The cast must be a real hindrance. How long do you have to have it? Feel better soon.🙏🏼
Thanks Sandy.
I’m doing okay, just need a fetch and carry slave! 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏻♂️
I am amazed at the number of people who have tendon problems and wonder why this is not emphasised more on the
indications. I am now being more careful about false moves.
How are you? Life okay? Xx
It’s so frustrating to have difficulty doing what you want without help! Hopefully, you will be better soon. Any time frame?
I’m OK. Visiting my 94 year old mother with my sister. Glad to have family time.
I was hoping that the Matteson study on the long term effects of Pred would have considered these muscular/skeletal issues that come along with PMR and Pred. But alas it did not. PMRpro said that it was likely because doctor's didn't measure or mention these issues do they aren't part of the medical records.
My issues started at about 9 months of treatment, around 11mgs. I felt my skeleton loosening as if my groin and shoulders were slipping in and out of alignment. I think I was taking enough Pred at the time that it didn't hurt. Then at 8mgs. I began to notice more difficulty with my exercise routine. It became easier to hurt myself, and I felt the effects the next few days. My scoliosis has also deteriorated. Thank goodness for my osteopath who puts things back into place.
I've scaled way back now (: hoping that with time things will heal and I can go back to my old routine.
Suedehayes
I imagine that is very painful and hope you are recovered soon
I’ve had repeated bouts of tendonitis in my forearms which is very debilitating not to mention inconvenient when it comes to showering dressing etc. Spreads from the fingers through the wrist to the elbow. Seems to occur when I’ve been involved in a task with repetitive actions eg chopping large amounts of hard vegetables to make soup( we have an allotment) or using the sewing machine where I’m feeding large amounts of fabric through. Usually takes 3-4 weeks to heal during which time I get support from wearing a splint. I try not to engage in activities which might trigger it now that I’m aware of the outcome and cook the veggies rustically cut up in a big stewpot and let the blender do the hard work later! Hoping I can try a little sewing soon as I’m slowly reducing the Pred and on 8mg at present. Will be interested to hear experiences of others in relation to this.
Best wishes
Linda
In the past, way before PMR I found acupuncture helpful with tendonitis. I had a flare that included swelling below the elbow into my wrist that left my hand feeling cold. The acupuncture re-established adequate blood flow and only then did it begin to heal. That was my very first experience with acupuncture!
I find the osteopath more effective for me these days.
For the first year on Pred I felt pretty normal and carried on at the gym as normal. Then I fell over in the shower and subsequently found I had snapped 2 tendons in my shoulder - massive rotator cuff tear. Orthopaedic surgeon told me it was acute damage on top of chronic damage from exercise and this was due to being on Pred. No chance of surgery as softened tendons won’t hold stitches. There is a mention of tendon tears in the leaflet with Pred, so take notice folks! Doctors never mentioned it of course. (Or much else.)
He gave me a series of exercises to retrain other muscles, which have given me near normal movement and use at low levels, but I can’t lift even a half full kettle above shoulder height, or rotate the arm outwards with elbow by waist.
Male, now 70, had PMR over 3 years and on 10mg pred again after serious flares below, mobility seriously restricted after a very fit active life. Rheumy wants me to try Methotrexate, I’ll give it a go but with great dread.. Yes, I did say MALE! Thought we were supposed to have an easier time.
That's so discouraging, isn't it? We don't feel like we are overdoing things, and yet it turns out we are.... I've been super careful this winter because of what happened last year, plus we've had very little snow, comparatively speaking, so you'd have thought it would have been okay but apparently not.
So sorry to hear that,it is so debilitating.I had exactly the same last September,my calves were very sore for 2 weeks with dificulting walking,already using a walker as have fractures in my back but was managing,then just walking and it went! Yes I have put it down to steroids,I have GCA and in September I had been on steroids for 9 months,so like you in plaster then boot and physio.At present my other calf is causing me problems and I am pretty concerned that might be going the same way.I,like you,would be very interested in hearing if there is anything one can do to prevent another.I wish you well for a good recovery,pacience is needed!
I have also had achilles problems - because a GP who knew I was on Medrol (methyl prednisolone) handed me a script for a quinolone antibiotic. Each alone can cause achilles problems, both together makes it far more likely. When I noticed the back of my heel becoming tight when I walked I googled - which of course I should have done far sooner but with a UTI I wasn't thinking. Her response? "Oh, I've heard of that but never seen it..."!! Hmmm - you have now lady!
A&E here were brilliant, providing a boot and crutches and advice. It took 9 months on crutches but at least it didn't tear and since then I have had no problems at all. BUT I take notice of the next bit of my post.
You may find this interesting:
tendonitisexpert.com/cortic...
Take note of the bit about the lack of pain NOT meaning you can go back to normal activity. Because that also applies in PMR - with or without steroid injections. PMR often causes tendinitis and synovitis as well as the muscle pain. Almost all that pain disppears with oral pred - but it doesn't mean we should go back to normal duties. The tissues are still delicate and overuse means you may damage them.
I read the page and worked my way to recommended treatment (other than buying the DVD). They suggest an ice bath and ice massage. I understand ice reduces inflammation but I find it also seems to tighten my muscles. I used it on my hips at one point and had trouble walking afterwards! I'm a bit leary of it now. I seem to have issues with my forearm, the little finger side just at/below the elbow. It doesn't hurt all the time, just achy when I open or close the joint, particularly if my wrist is turned. I figured I carried something heavier than I should have or did too much in the exercise pool. It doesn't seem to be going away. I have not been to a doctor. Figured I'd wait it out a bit. Any suggestions would be appreciated
Yes - I don't like icing for the same reason - can't even do aquafit in a cool pool. It isn't too bad if I keep it really localised though.
My PMR started with something a bit like you describe your arm to be. I assumed for a few years it was RSI. Repetitive action made it worse - but it stemmed from the PMR.
My symptoms were neck and shoulders, hips. At its worst it crept down upper arms and legs. Even with flairs it didn't go that far again. I have an appointment with rheumatologist in two weeks. I can ask then (or go to an orthopedic?) I am currently at 1mg and holding. I dont want to do anything to upset the applecart.
The only things I've found cold useful for is to relieve a scald (recommended treatment for a burn) and when there's swelling from an injury, to reduce the swelling. I've never found cold helped pain not associated with swelling, although I think some people do. I have osteoarthritis, and I have to say what you describe sounds like the discomfort I get from OA,and warmth is much more soothing.
I haven't even put heat on it. Just get dressed and get going. I think I'll start with that, maybe try just localized cold and see what's what. I was hoping it would just calm and heal but it's taking its time.
The only thing cold has ever helped me with is sciatica from lower back problems. Very effective for that, for me. Icing the lower back.
I've been doing a lot of heating pad therapy these days, shoulders mostly, sometimes groin. It feels good, and I keep thing that if I have scarring from the vasculitis, then heat to dilate the vessels and improve blood flow might help healing
What do I know..
Just thinking..
Thank you.
I found at the beginning of my dosing it was very easy to injure myself doing the most ordinary things. Now at 8 I guess that I have become much more careful. I am back to lifting light hand weights and doing light exercise. Oh muscle tone how I miss you. Hope you recover quickly. One thing on top of another is tough. 😝
Bunnymom, I don't lift weights, at least just my weighted vest which is different. I used to do pushups, that was my arm strengthening exercise, and can't even manage more than a couple of those now, partly because I 'm afraid of causing more injury. I had trouble this morning turning the steering wheel of my car while I was backing out of a parking spot. In winter I use a clothes horse to dry my clothes on and have to be careful when raising my left arm to place something over the top rung, because I can get an excruciating stab of pain. Yet I have full range of motion when I'm careful, and don't have any of that deep "stiffness" which PMR causes.
This post was Devine intervention!! Since starting Yoga and the cough from my cold a few weeks ago, I pulled a muscle under my rt rib cage that was 10 on the pain was scale and strained a few back muscles leaving me with a burning feeling which at times nauseates me. I was baffled because before PMR could stand on my head, bend over backwards etc. I can’t even do Childs pose now! #frustrated.
No but inactive for 2 years.
Not tendons specifically, but I found that my most disabling pred side effect was muscle weakness. Describe myself as 'weak and wobbly'. (40mg Nov 2016). It was really severe at first, so I did very little physical exercise for ages. Couldn't get up fr the floor without help, at first, and struggled w the slightest physical task.
This muscle weakness is different from the systemic fatigue that most of us experience. I had that v badly for at least a couple of months before diagnosis, so presume it's part of the GCA, and it has continued ever since, waxing and waning though gradually lessening. Fingers crossed.
The muscle weakness started w pred - and turned me into a quivering wreck! It has gradually improved as the pred dose has decreased, but I'm still (now on 7.5mg) not back to 'normal'. Now I'm thinking that this not being able to do much has maybe protected me fr tendon damage and the like. I wonder . . .
I wouldn't be surprised. I've had very little other damage but I'm very restrictive about what I do - anything that causes any discomfort is banned: washing windows, scrubbing floors, using the vacuum...
Hear hear!. Totally agree.
It is well documented that long term use of steroid weakens the tendons causing tendonitis....especially the Achilles tendon.
Really? Where would I find more info on that?
Google steroid and tendon rupture
I, too had an Achilles injury after 1 year of prednisone! I am thrilled to say after 3 1/2 years of Temporal Arteritis . I am in remission (Yahoo) ; off prednisone since May, 2016. I do have side effects from the prednisone; muscle weakness, shoulder pain, hip, but the pain seems to keep transferring back and forth!! And, the good news is .... I have been taking Vitamin B complex shots once a month and boy do they help with pain, weakness and fatigue!!!
Maybe give them a try!
What sort of dosage were you on?
If you are still having pain, is it because you no longer take steroids? Is it possible the inflammation is still around?
Sue
Torn achillies tendon
swollen and painful hip joint and ankle (tendon?)
Eyesight deterioration 
Down to 4mg Pred for GCA and now serious tendon & joint pain, leg (vein) pain. Is it normal? 
Advice needed - eye deterioration
