Anyone experiencing possible tendon or ligament lower back of leg and ankle discomfort? Can't determine. Can it be diabetes symptoms?

[pomeranion]

I'm on 13mls. liquid pred. Just tapered from 15mls. Have been having these new symptoms the last few weeks. Last blood tests elevated glucose. Also increased appetite and depression. Any suggestions or comments welcomed. Thank you.

[MrsNails]

Hi,

I have issues with my Achilles Tendon when l get below a certain dose of Pred, l find wearing a shoe with a higher heel helps as the muscles & tendon are not as stretched as when my foot is flat.

I also have an issue with the muscle or tendon under my ankle bone on the other foot again it only shows when on a lower dose of steroids but always feels like it might give way!

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How elevated? And when? Have they checked your Hba1c level?

Being on pred leads to the liver releasing random spikes of glucose into the blood from the body stores of glycogen. If the fasting BSlevel is checked too close to one of these spikes having been released, it will be higher than expected. It doesn't mean you are diabetic. You can't control the release of these spikes but you can control your intake of carbs to minimise their contribution to the raised level. Eating carbs, especially simple or processed carbs and added sugar, is what causes the hunger pangs: the BS goes up, insulin is produced and the BS level tumbles to a low level which makes you crave something, preferably carbs, to bring it back up which sets the whole cycle off again, putting you into a roller coaster pattern of high followed by low BS and craving something to eat. You can smooth it a lot by not snacking on anything carby,

What you describe sounds like your achilles tendon may be inflamed, achilles tendonitis. It can happen when on pred - as MrsN says, rest, icing and wearing a shoe with a raised heel or an insert under your heel may help.

[pomeranion in reply to PMRpro]

Your advice is always so helpful. The information on the liver releasing random spikes of glucose is very interesting. I have been cheating on my low carb diet. I will try harder now that this probably is the cause for my increased hunger. With my increased depression symptoms I always resort to eating more. (roller coaster pattern). Also, concerning note onachilles tendon. My sister is still recuperating from her achilles tendon repair. She had PMR

and was on pred. Her Dr. said that is why she never felt the pain when she injured it. I do have the numbness and pain. I do feel somewhat relieved that this might be what you describe and I will take your suggestions to heart. All of these new symptoms are very worrisome. As if PMR isn't enough. At age 70, I am learning so much about my body and overall health. Boy, if I only knew then what I have been experiencing now maybe I would have taken better care of myself. God only knows. I am in his divine grace. Managing day by day with all of your wonderful guidance and this wonderful site. I can't thank you all enough.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pomeranion]

I had plenty of pain!!!! My dozy GP at the time had given me a quinolone antibiotic when I was on methyl pred - both can cause achilles problems, both together ... Boot for a couple of months to reduce the risk of needing an op if it ruptured, crutches for about 9 months. It still makes its presence known if I walk a bit much.

[pomeranion in reply to PMRpro]

Boy, now I am frightened. Do you suggest getting my GP involved? I know I am at a high dose of liquid pred. and don't foresee reducing at a fast pace because of the level of pain that I experience. Your input is so valuable. I didn't even think that It might warrant Dr. intervention with the possibility of future injury. And it still presents if you walk a bit too much? Good to know. As always, thank you for your additional post.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pomeranion]

It is just that if the tendon is inflamed, it is more delicate and prone to injury if you trip or fall. So preventing that sort of thing is not a bad idea. It is definitely worth speaking to someone about it.

[pomeranion in reply to PMRpro]

See my additional post above. I think I pressed the wrong reply key by mistake.