Increase in Foot Swelling During Tapering

[Donna5658]

I wanted to check in to see if others have had a problem similar to mine. I had some increased fluid retention and neuropathy in my feet when I first started the 15mg dose of prednisone, but it wasn’t severe. I am finding as I have lowered the dose (now almost completely at 8mg using DL’s slow tapering method) I have had an increase in my foot swelling and hence neuropathy. This is wreaking havoc with my balance. Has anyone noticed that their prednisone fluid retention has gotten worse rather than better as they are tapering? I suspect my own cortisol production is still being suppressed, so maybe as I taper down these lower doses are still causing significant fluid retention. Any thoughts about this would be appreciated.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, have you seen a doctor about it? Do you have any cardiac problems? Have you had your blood sugars and kidneys checked recently and do you have a low salt diet? Swelling in legs can come from a number of things. I definitely got light lower limb oedema when on Pred and I wore light compression socks from the pharmacy. However, a cause need to be found really.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with Snazzy. It is too simple to blame prednisone without looking at other potential causes.

I had swollen ankles last summer and was pressured by a couple of doctors to wear compression socks - I got some, can't get them on, my hands are too weak and sore!!! However, it has transpired that my medication for atrial fibrillation was no longer as effective as it had been. I also had tendinitis in ankle tendons and I was fairly sure that wasn't helping. My medication was changed and the tendinitis has finally resolved - and the swelling has disappeared almost entirely.

And a PS - I always gets ankle swelling if I eat salty food or eat out more than once!

[Mayadill]

My feet can slightly swell if I really encourage them: something 24/7 round the ankles, like cuffed trousers or those with elastic at the hems both during the day and as pyjamas or socks both during the day and in bed in winter. The perfect sock can be found by trial and error, firm enough to stay standing up but not so tight as to cause constriction.