muscle strain

[Fishponds50]

Good morning all. On Wednesday I turned in my seat and felt something go and since then I’ve had a soreness in my side that is very tender to touch and incredibly painful when I turn, particularly in bed. I’ve been on prednisolone for 4 years now for PMR and GCA and I’m currently on 5.5 mg so I’m wondering if this muscle strain is as a result of the condition or meds or unrelated - it isn’t PMR pain. I am using voltarol. Many thanks x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Muscles certainly are weaker with Pred, but could have happened anyway - such is life.

Just plenty of TLC required -try warmth therapy and maybe paracetamol (guess Voltarol is gel) and hope it doesn’t affect your PMR/GCA

[Fishponds50 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you x I’ve just read your reply to my husband so he know I need lots of TLC! A really helpful response that confirmed my thoughts. Thank you x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Fishponds50]

let’s hope he acts on it then! ..or we’ll send the heavy mob round 🤣😂

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred can make muscles and other soft tissues and their attachments more delicate making it all too easy to "pull a muscle" which is what it sounds as if you have done.

[Fishponds50 in reply to PMRpro]

thank you - that’s what I thought. I appreciate your speedy response. Take care xx

[Baner]

I’ve had exactly the same thing this week, mine happened on Monday, initial sharp pain on left side and and very sore to the touch and when moving. I have been doing same as you, Voltarol and also a hot water bottle in bed has helped a lot. Much much better this morning so hoping it is only a temporary glitch. The weather is a bit colder so wondered if muscles were more tense than in warmer weather and therefore prone to strains.

[Fishponds50]

Hello Baner thank you for your reply. Crazy isn’t it how you can do something so easily - I’m mad with myself but didn’t do anything to cause it! Sitting here now with voltarol on and a small hot water bottle! Hope your pain and discomfort continues to improve. Gives me hope that my will improve soon too. Thank you and take care x

[Hidden]

Sounds like you've maybe pulled or torn a muscle. You have a couple of muscle groups at the side called external and internal obliques which work in conjunction with the abdominal muscles at the front to maintain stability and balance between your upper and lower body. Try treating the painful area with a hot water bottle held against it, and you could also try a generic surface applied preparation like deep heat. I think (although maybe someone would be kind enough to confirm or deny) that we can still take nurofen carefully when on pred but I'm not 100% sure.

If it's any comfort I've been a fitness freak forever and have often given myself injuries by doing simple things like tying my laces or bending over to pick something up.

[Fishponds50 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your helpful and informative reply. Crazy how we can get these injuries by doing nothing really. Your kind words are a comfort - thank you as I was feeling so cross with myself.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I use ibuprofen as individual doses without problems - but my rheumy insists on stomach protection if I am to use it daily for a week or more. Depends on the person - one lady I know with PMR was told by her GP to manage it with ibuprofen and after 3 doses had a gastric bleed and ended up in the ED! Always best to take it with a meal.

[Fishponds50]

thank you - wise and helpful advise as always. What a wonderful and giving community we have x