Pain in the shin

[Janann25]

Having successfully reduced to 10mg - I have been reducing by 1 mg per month - I am about to try reducing to 9mg. However, over the last few days I've developed a really nasty pain in my right shin, making it difficult to walk. I'm not in any other pain, other than the constant discomfort which I always have due to a back injury many years ago. I've not experienced this before so I don't know whether it's connected to my back problems or whether it's some kind of flare up.

I'm booked to go on a short 4 night cruise on Friday and wonder whether to stay on 10mg, reduce to 9mg as planned or to increase the dose as a precaution. I'd really appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

If it were me, I’d stay at 10mg until your cruise is over, then maybe think about reducing. Definitely not before.

Would think the shin pain is maybe associated with PMR as referred pain. Do painkillers help? Maybe some massage if you can get an appointment before your cruise.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you have a mini-cruise - I would at the very least stick with the 10mg. And maybe try a bit more to see if it helps - if it doesn't you can come back to 10mg straight away.

Where are you off to?

[Janann25 in reply to PMRpro]

Just sailing from Southampton to Rotterdam then back again - a very easy way to cruise!! I don't intend to do much, other than rest and eat - and have the odd glass of wine😉🍷

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janann25]

Hope the weather is kind then! I like Rotterdam - we visited it with a friend who lives there - the area around the old port is lovely. Europort is a bit of an acquired taste mind!

[SheffieldJane]

DL has said it all. Hello! Long time no see. Have a lovely cruise and I hope you just forget about this latest torment.

[Janann25]

Hello again! Yes, I've not needed to bother you for a while because my very slow reductions have been going ok. Having said that, my CRP rate was up at my last blood test but my lovely rheumatologist has said not to worry because I've been feeling ok but I'll get another blood test done once I get back from my 4-day "world cruise"😀😉!!

[PMRnewbie2017]

Hi.I had shin pain for a short time when I was at 12mg. Mine was in the muscle at the front of the leg to the outerside of the shin bone. I do walk a lot so put it down to muscles being intolerant to exercise. Then it just disappeared. Make sure you're wearing good supportive footwear if walking as pronation (flat foot) puts strain on muscles in the lower leg particularly on the outside aspect. Enjoy your holiday. Cheers!

[Rimmy]

Yes agree with other comments here - we are less tolerant of exercise with our condition(s). The weakness of ligaments, tendons and muscles can also be induced by taking Pred especially in larger (cumulative) doses This is a conundrum the possibility of which should not be underestimated however, as injuries can occur quite easily and calibrating rehab can in turn become difficult - with either too much or not enough activity to promote healing. BUT I'd be cruising if I were you !!

Best wishes

Rimmy

[Janann25 in reply to Rimmy]

Thank you - I’m really looking forward to a few days of being waited on - to say nothing of the lovely food and wine 🍷🍽 😉

[Rimmy in reply to Janann25]

Sounds like the BEST 'medicine' to me ... have fun !!

[Jeannie29]

Janann25

Hi Janann25, I also have developed painful shins, so painful to touch, I think it must be the PMR, cannot think of any other reason, I also should be reducing to 9 mg Pred, but as I am going to Turkey for 6 weeks on Monday have decided to stay with 10mg and am going to hope for the best.

I do hope you enjoy your cruise, we can’t let this wicked PMR get the better of us can we.

I do wish you well

Jean

[Janann25 in reply to Jeannie29]

Wow, 6 weeks in Turkey!! I'm trying not to be envious.

But, back to whether or not to continue reducing. I was on such a high dose for many months last year and am so relieved to be reducing, it's really hard for me to have to consider increasing my dose. However, I know it's the sensible thing to do while I'm away so I'll just hope it's only a blip.

Have a wonderful time in Turkey - says she through gritted teeth😉

[Jeannie29]

Nah, don’t be envious I’m going under pressure, bit worried about being that far from my GP!!!!

You have a great time on your cruise

Wish you well

Jean

[arthur463]

I can't help much with this, except to say that I developed weird shin pains whilst still at about 40 mg preds. I still have it now I'm down to 8 mg. My Rheumy seemed to be familiar with it, and blamed the preds not my GCA.