Muscle weakness

[Marigold3]

I was diagnosed with PMR 2 months ago and slowly reducing the Prednisolone. I find if I put any stress on my joints I end up with a different pain not relieved by the steroid. For example, I was just doing my normal throwing a ball for my dog and now have a very painful bicep muscle. I changed hands the next time and have carpal tunnel pain. Something appears to be causing some weakness, I wonder if it is the steroid.

[SheffieldJane]

Muscle weakness is a side effect of steroids, particularly the slow recovery of muscles following exertion. I could barely lift my arms above my shoulders in the early days of PMR, let alone throw a ball repeatedly for a dog. You are going to have to find another way to exercise your dog. Painkillers and rest will help, but this activity is too strenuous.

[Kendrew]

I try and go for a walk every morning and do some very gentle yoga in an afternoon. Sometimes if I'm a little over-zealous with the exercise, I end up with muscle pains for a few days after. It really doesn't take much effort at all for this to happen and the slightest over exertion can result in pain the next day. Have to be very mindful of what you can reasonably be expected to do with regard to exercise and physical activity.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It's much more likely to be the PMR - the pred relieves the inflammation but that is all, it has cured nothing. The autoimmune disorder is still active and attacking the muscles and soft-tissues around the joints making them intolerant of acute exercise. If you do more than you should then you develop muscle soreness or aggravate tendon inflammation which is painful and takes longer to go away than you are used to.

You have a new normal - you have to identify the actions that cause pain and either avoid them or modify them. It's often hard to realise and accept it bit does help live well with PMR.

[SnazzyD]

Could be both PMR and Pred as both cause muscle and ligament issues. Just lay off anything explosive, sudden, repetitive or very strenuous. Keep ticking over with gentle exercise and full range of movement movements.

[Dersingham14]

I’ve had PMR for a couple of years and have gradually reduced steroids to 6mg. I’ve been stuck there for a while as I’ve recently developed pain in my upper arm and neck muscles/ligaments, for no particular reason. Painkillers don’t seem to help and I’m just living with it and hoping that it’ll improve one day and I can carry on trying to get off the steroids. Everyone’s experience seems to be different but I’m encouraged that most information seems to tell you that it will get better.