PMR Flare and Numbness in Toes

[SARose]

Hello to all. Back for more advice. I believe that I'm starting another flare. Rheumatologist has me on a 1mg a month taper, now at 8mg, since my shingles outbreak in July. Last week started getting the shoulder pain with some in my hands and thighs. The last few mornings I have awakened with numbness in my toes, both feet effected, as well as the usual morning aches. Is this normal? Can PMR cause neuropathy?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred can cause neuropathy, no reason why PMR should be responsible though However - if you have tight back muscles, especially the piriformis, it can irritate and even pinch the sciatic nerve and depending on how badly that can cause sciatic pain or numbness. Whatever - I'd stop the taper for now because you are risking a flare.

[SARose in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, never knew pred can cause neuropathy !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SARose]

It isn't common - but it can do

[piglette]

Have you had an Hba1C blood test recently?

[SARose]

Thank you for the information.

[cycli]

i have this but it happened before pred and I tolerated it for months before I was diagnosed with PMR so I put it down to another cause than pred. I'm now having other tests to find the root cause.

[Viv54]

I have Peripheral neuropathy, had it for at least 18 months before my PMR began, then some of the above began to creep in and it never went away.You just get so use to it you live with it , i was told there was nothing that could be done. Sitting at my computer with both feet feeling full of pins and needles . Night time is the worst !

[Viv54]

Yes, I think you can occupy your thoughts better in the day.I had the test I found it really unpleasant, I was in pain for about a week after having it done !.Mine is in both feet up to my ankles. They are both boiling hot and tingling as I write this . It's good to know they may get better. I'm still hoping the day comes when I get off Pred and feel normal again .Glad you are on the mend ! Gives us all hope .😊