I’ve had PMR since 2014 and during that time I’ve had 4 episodes of tendonitis. Usually I can identify a trigger such as the the frantic sewing session just before Christmas one year to make large fabric sacks for the family Secret Santa gifts! That repetitive action of feeding fabric through the machine triggered it…… This time I can’t think of a physical trigger but I did start a Pred reduction from 8 to 7.5 last Tuesday using DSNS. I’ve been stable on 8 since Christmas and waited until all colds had cleared up, the weather was improving and the diary looked quiet.... By Wednesday I had a painful and swollen thumb and then the fingers joined the party until my hand looked like a pound of sausages!! The pain and swelling has continued and now includes my wrist and arm up to the elbow. I’ve been taking paracetamol ,using ice packs in a sleeve and sometimes a small hot water bottle to try and reduce the pain. I’ve continued with the Pred reduction but wondering if this is the trigger and whether I should go back to 8 for the moment and try again once this has cleared up. It’s really painful and also difficult to get showered and dressed and undressed. Reminds of those days before the PMR diagnosis when I couldn’t lift my arms……
Has anyone else experienced tendonitis when reducing? Is there a connection between PMR and tendonitis? Any suggestions welcome. Thanks -Linda
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linda49
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I think I would be seeing the doctor quickly. I am no medic but swollen limbs do not sound right to me. Sounds like you are having a tough time. Someone with expert advice will be along soon. All the best.
Pongo13 thanks for your concern. I did see my gp the first time I had this and she thought I had tendonitis but still sent me off to the hospital. They did X-rays which confirmed this and gave me a splint to support the wrist and hand and a sling to support the arm. It took about 3-4 weeks to resolve. Subsequent episodes have followed the same pattern. It is my fingers which are swollen rather than my forearm. I agree a swollen arm might need further investigation. Thanks for your comments.
Tendonitis in feet and hands has always been part of my PMR - right from the start. Have a look at RS3PE syndrome - also part of PMR for some of us, causes swollen hands and responds to pred. The borderline between enough and not enough pred can be very very narrrow. Me - I'd be back at 8mg!
Gosh sausage hands etc. Glad I've read this as I would clearly have panicked! I already look like an "oompah loompah", I'm clearly fortunate not to look even worse.
Interesting that know that others with PMR have had this too. I will google RS3PE syndrome tonight. Yes think I will abandon the reduction for now and stick with 8. Do you think I need more for a couple of days to deal with the flare?
Yes you are entering one of the challenging zones approaching 7 mg. Enough signs to back off go back to 8, see your doctor. Adopt me, you sound wonderful with your Santa sacks.
I suspect there’s some truth in that Jane. From all I’ve read on this forum I knew this could be tricky but you have to try it and I thought I’d cleared the decks so to speak to give myself a chance! Ah well best laid plans and all that……The surprise is how quickly Ive reacted to the reduction. Only 2x 7.5 mg pills over the last week…… I think 8 is probably the correct dosage for me at this time
The Santa sacks became essential as the menfolk were receiving DIY tools or similar equipment in huge boxes and it was impossible to find large enough bags in the shops. I enjoyed the sewing but boy did I “pay for it” later!!
Hi, wrist and/or forearm tendonitis lurks everytime I get a good,new, book...the position holding the book quickly triggers pain. Also...using my Ipad, and the particular way I hold it can kick up both waist or shoulder pain.
I have learned to slip on a wrist brace, or use a pillow when I’m doing the repetitive motions. Even a strip of athletic tape around my wrist helps ease the risk of tendonitis.
long story short...tendonitis is one of my companions on this PMR journey. Therefore, I am careful, and listen to the first twinges of pain. Change my position, use mechanical aids, use anti inflammatory (paracetamol) and take breaks.
Good luck...you will learn your own ways of heading off these pesky little PMR gifts.🤪
Do you know I hadn’t thought about holding books and the iPad as repetitive movements but I suppose they can be just as intolerable to our muscles and tendons as exercise if we overdo it. I have recently got back to reading after not being able to concentrate or remember the plot for many months. So it’s possble that may be the culprit. My arm does feel more comfortable when supported so I’ve been using a pillow under it when I’m in bed. Today I was a passenger in the car and found the arm rest really uncomfortable as they are not padded at all. Fortunately there was an old towel in the boot which I was able to use to fashion a makeshift support.
Thanks 1Purplecrow for sharing your experience as well as your useful tips and techniques.
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