Diagnosed GCA Severe Pain in Legs

[Cairn]

Can anyone give advise. Have severe pain in both legs and now experiencing numbness in both feet. Should I see the Doctor or is this another side effect of Prednisilone?

[SnazzyD]

Hello,

Have you seen a doc about this symptom before? If not, do go soon to your GP. It may be a Pred effect but you also need to make sure it isn’t a circulatory problem higher up or a neurological issue, that if left may cause bigger concerns.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Cairn,

As SnazzyD says, best to consult doctor. It could be Pred, but it’s not something that comes up on here very often in relation to GCA, so I have my doubts.

Please let us know outcome.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Whether it is a pred side effect or not - you need to tell your doctor about such developments. Is the pain all the time or just when you walk?

[Cairn]

Have just come from GP. He explained that it was a combination of hot weather and steroids. He told me that as I am still on a very high dosage of steroid 50mg per day that swelling will take place somewhere in the body. Legs are unusual but not unheard of.

Thank you all for your helpful advise. I was very worried. The tingling and numbness is due to nerves being disrupted by the swelling. Hope this will help someone else.

[Celebrant]

Take everything you throw into your body in medication--be it painkiller, vitamin, etc with you. Pull them out and explain what you are doing. See what she says. My Mom insisted on taking Evening Oil of primrose and it was the worst thing she could have done with her meds. You never know and we do too much self medicating