Recovery from injury

[Bncc]

Does Pred affect recovery from injury. About 5 months ago I picked up a mild Achilles strain towards the end of a gentle run. Despite trying testing, stretching and exercises no improvement is apparent. I was then on 15mg, down from 20, and am now on 5mg. Could Pred, AA etc be affecting my recovery?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Pred & PMR can make recovery longer...you must remember your muscles are not as resilient as before both of those hove into view.

Just need more patience, and don’t push yourself too much, it’s likely to be counterproductive.

If it’s possible, can you see a physio? If so, do explain you have PMR though.

[Bncc in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for this. I am seeing a physio regularly but am impatient! However as I am now 80 I should be pleased I am still as active as I am. Thanks again.Best wishes

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bncc]

Patience is easily talked about...but rarely achieved! Guilty as the next man/woman, m’lud!

Is physio truly aware of PMR.... and treats you accordingly? Some do, some don’t.

[SnazzyD]

My experience was that Pred affected my tendons and particularly my Achilles and lower arms. I didn’t take AA or anything else. I was in pain for 18 months even walking in the house. The only way was to reduce the trauma on them ( no running or walking too far, especially on uneven ground or aggressive physio) followed my getting orthotics for my gait that didn’t help and physio to sort out the weakness in my hips. I also got an ultrasound of them to see the extent of the damage and luckily there were no holes. Prior to GCA and nearly 4 years ago I was 54 and very fit and active. The Achilles bit kicked in when I was in low single figures of Pred. I am now ok, but yet to try running but that is difficult for other reasons. The last bit of recovery came when I was down to under 1mg Pred, though I find I easily get tendon strain if I do anything sudden with a load.

[Bncc in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks. All information helps.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends I think - I had a totally torn medial collateral ligament that healed faster than the orthopod expected. I also later had achilles tendonitis due to being given medrol and a quinolone antibiotic together - each can cause tendonitis but together the risk is far higher. My husband was given a quinolone and within a day his achilles was sore. My achilles took nearly 9 months on crutches to heal fully. Beware - a strain is one thing, if it is inflamed and swollen it is much more of a risk for a rupture. And you don't want that at any age!!!

[Bncc in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Patience seems to be required, something I should have at 80, but not easy,

[piglette]

I have found that eating a high protein diet helps recovery for me.

[squashie]

I've found soft tissue injuries and tendon strains are more prevalent since I've been on pred but, provided I manage the recovery properly, recovery times are much the same as before pred. I should add I'm also 80 and still refusing to accept that it could be due to age!! I may learn one day.

[Bncc in reply to squashie]

Thank you. Interesting story. I gave up squash at 50 having had colleague die on court at that age. Took up hashing whilst overseas and back here ParkRun until lockdown. Still hopeful!