Hi all, I was diagnosed with PMR about a year ago and have been on Prednisolone reducing from 20mg to 6.5mg now and all is going well.
My question is, I have pulled a muscle in my arm and and heel (ham string I think) probably from over exertion, and I was wondering if I might apply some Ibuleve gel to the affected area to help manage the pain. I know it is not recommended to take Ibuprofen internally but wondered if the cream was a no no as well.
Good question Pinkly. It will obviously go into your system but probably act in a more localised way. I honestly don't know the full answer and would also like clarification.
Thanks cycli. My wife has come back from our friendly chemist with a product called Flexiseq which is supposed to do much the same as ibuleve but without the nasty side effects and can be used when on steroids. I’ll give it a try.
I used ibruprofen gel (sparingly) during my GCA, no issues. But don’t overuse it obviously.
Thanks for the advice Dorset Lady. As my wife has come back from our friendly chemist with a product called Flexiseq which is supposed to do much the same as ibuleve but without the nasty side effects and can be used when on steroids. I’ll give it a try.
Flexiseq was developed for arthritis……not sure it will help muscular issues, but try and see.
It doesn’t help.
Yes you can, as DorsetLady says sparingly, it keeps it localised & the reason it’s not recommended is because of the risk to your stomach but as it’s not in tablet form it minimises the risk. I’ve had various Potions & Lotions for my poor old knees 😉
Short term as a once off is fine in moderation, particularly for gel. It is relying on NSAIDs as pain killers which is not a good idea and can cause nasty problems.
Many thanks for your help. My wife went out to get Ibuleve but has come back from our friendly chemist with a product called Flexiseq which is supposed to do much the same as ibuleve but without the nasty side effects and can be used when on steroids. I’ll give it a try.
OK in moderation. Just don't go mad.
Flexiseq is for arthritic joints - not soft-tissue injury so no idea where they got that idea from. It is a bit like WD40 for human joints.
Good old-fashioned wintergreen - does it still exist?
Hi Pinkly, do not want to put a damper on it. But do you know the steroids can cause muscle pain and sore tendons as if you have pulled a muscle. Just so you can be aware of it. Hope the cream helps.
I have had tendinitis in my Achilles for about 2 months now. It has stopped me walking because the pain is too much to bear after about 5 mins. None of the freeze sprays or gels helps. If it is the steroids does that mean it will be with me for ever ?
Has the tendonitis been diagnosed by a doctor? Have you a history of taking quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)? They can cause it, pred can cause it and both together make it even more likely even if the association is historical. I had it but only in one side so a boot and crutches helped greatly. However - it does make your achilles tendons VERY delicate and it can take little more than a trip on a curb to cause real damage.
Mine has improved so it isn't generally a problem but it does niggle if I walk a lot further than usual.
Yes but he didn’t pay it much attention … just said wear good trainers and rest it as much as possible. As we all know life gets in the way of “ rest it “
Your GP? Or the rheumy? Achilles tendonitis deserves more consideration than that.
I’ve taken Doxycycline several times over the last 8 years. Maybe 9 or 10 times
No, as you lower the steroids the pain starts to ease, but it leaves the area tender for ages. A good cream like the others have said helps . I really sympathise as it's excruciating, I just woke up one morning and had it while on ahigh dose of pred.Chin up, hope it gets better soon 🌸
I have found that pulled muscles etc seem to take to heal than before pred, but they do gradually get there!
Is it a flare or not ? 
GCA flare, or not?
PMR or not?
GCA - Too young or not? 
GCA flare or not.
