In May I had a carpel tunnel nerve release op which left the nerve unbearably painful for 10 weeks or so. I developed PMR about 12 weeks after the op. Does anyone know if this could be connected. Kate Gilbert does mention a connection
Carpel tunnel and PMR: In May I had a carpel tunnel... - PMRGCAuk
Carpel tunnel and PMR
The carpel tunnel may well have been the first sign of the PMR.
I have had PMR for over 3 years now, and while tapering down from 4mg to 3, developed extreme tingling and burning in my thumb & first 2 fingers on both hands, and was dx with carpal tunnel syndrome, suggested to have carpal release surgery. Decided no, just give me a steroid injection in just the worst (right) hand. Quick relief in BOTH hands. I believe the PMR was inflaming and swelling the synovial sheaths around the main nerve.
It was while being investigated for Carpel Tunnel that the Neurologist thought I had PMR and not CT and referred me to a Rheumatologist for diagnosis and Prednisone management.
I developed carpel tunnel type symptoms in both hands and a couple of months later my hip pain started . Four months after that my shoulders and arms joined the pain party and I was diagnosed with PMR .
I also had Carpel tunnel type symptoms at the start of PMR -GCA The doctor didnt think it was connected but I knew it was. I do my own thinking just use the medical profession to produce the drugs I want.
I have recently been diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome just as my PMR seemed to be going into remission, (hopefully). I'm at between 0.5 mg and zero Pred. after 3 years. My right fingers/hand are affected most but recently I'm getting the tingling in my left hand too. I wear a wrist support at night (GPs orders) and have been told that if that doesn't work he'll refer me for physiotherapy. He initially referred me to the orthopaedic dept. in our local hospital but they sent back the advice he's given me and would not accept the referral as they say surgery is only done as a last resort.
Very interesting. I am now down to 4 on prednisone and have had some carpal tunnel symptoms. Never had them before, but totally recognizable from everyone's descriptions. Sounds like this may be the last hurrah of PMR for me to address. Thanks for posting! I just thought "Here we go with another new thing to deal with" and am really glad to know I need to deal with it as a symptom of PMR in reducing pred.
Carpal tunnel and PMR came on at roughly the same time for me three years ago. Got the tingling fingers a little before the full PMR symptoms.