Right thigh quite severe pain

[Neck680]

I am 4 years into PMR, on 7mg/day pred and although I've gotten to 5.5 twice on a very slow taper, I cannot seem to get below 7 comfortably.

After a terrible December cold, sciatica (or sciatica-like) remained January-March. The sciatica disappeared but severe pain in right thigh going into knee now remains. Even hard to sleep. It is not bilateral so I doubt it's the PMR.

Femoral nerve issue is possible. Any suggestions? Anyone deal with this?

I am reluctant to increase prednisone. Thanks!

[Koalajane]

I struggled with sciatica a couple of months ago. It got so bad I could hardly walk so I went to the doctors and she prescribed amitriptyline and physio. They both worked like magic. My pain went from my buttock to my knee and down to my foot. It was very painful and I knew it was not pmr

[Neck680 in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks koalajane! I will definitely inquire of my doc your magical med. How long did you need to stay on it? And once you stopped the med did the pain remain absent?

[Koalajane in reply to Neck680]

I was on the amitriptyline for 4 weeks and fingers crossed so far no pain

[Neck680 in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks again koalajane. Lucky you— and I’m also crossing my fingers for you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Trochanteric bursitis/greater trochanteric pain syndrome will do that. It possibly isn't directly the PMR as such but it is due to things often found along with PMR - myofascial pain syndrome makes muscles tight and go into spasm and at least one PMR expert thinks it is the same underlying pathology that causes PMR.

In particular, a tight piriformis muscle can pinch the sciatic nerve (the nerve passes through the middle of the muscle in some people) so perhaps try the piriformis stretches that you can find on the internet.

myhealth.alberta.ca/health/...

has good pictures and simple instructions. You don't have to lie on the floor - on the bed will do so you can get up again! I found an improvement in a few days - not gone, but livable with

[Neck680 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRPro!! Just by writing to this forum I am re-energized to do the stretches with more determination. Getting to the place where the pain can be lived with is my goal.

[MaritimeMags]

Could be Meralgia-Parasethica. I have PMR but my GP diagnosed this in my right thigh. I get needle like pain and burning sensation. Not there all the time but when it is, extremely painful sometimes.

[Neck680 in reply to MaritimeMags]

Thanks Maritime Mags. I can check with my Rheumy who is pretty responsive.