Any ideas to help with pain ??

[Sidneydog1]

Hi I’m 2 weeks into a really nasty painful relapse ! Steroids 30 mg not doing much and painkillers seem to be doing less. Any suggestions gratefully received . Thank you 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If it is PMR then painkillers won't do much so probably not worth taking.

How sure are they that it IS PMR - and have you any signs of GCA at all?

[Sidneydog1 in reply to PMRpro]

I’ve had pmr couple years ago . It was in my arms last time. This time it’s in my hips but the pain feels the same if you know what I mean . Getting a blood test tomorrow 😑

[piglette]

What are your symptoms?

[Sidneydog1 in reply to piglette]

Excruciating leg cramp that lasts most the night . It’s horrible. I nearly pass out with the pain.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sidneydog1]

They sure it is PMR doing it rather than a vascular problem?

[Sidneydog1 in reply to PMRpro]

Actually this is a really good point. I saw my Dr today and she’s not entirely sure it is pmr 😑

[piglette in reply to Sidneydog1]

Leg cramps are awful. The only thing that I have found helps is quinine sulfate. Doctors are none too keen to prescribe it nowadays though. There are exercises you can do to relief the pain but it is difficult in the middle of the night. Have you mentioned the cramps to your doctor?

[SnazzyD in reply to Sidneydog1]

Is it ok in the day or just worse at night? Does the pain happen when you try to use the muscles? Is it worst when you put your legs up?

[Sidneydog1 in reply to SnazzyD]

Its so much worse at night . But still bad in the day. I’m doubting it’s pmr now. Also pain in only one leg which I believe is unusual for pmr . Thank you for helping 😀

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sidneydog1]

Certainly not typical ofPMR - it is more often than not bilateral. However - there is something called myofascial pain syndrome that is similar in some ways to PMR and which could conceivably cause your leg pain by irritating the sciatic nerve. I do think your GP needs to think outside the box.

[cranberryt]

leg cramps can be a side effect of prednisone. i am not sure I would attribute it to the pmr. It may need a follow up to see if it is something else entirely.