Muscle or arthritis pain right leg?

[Galore]

I've been on prednisolone since diagnosis of GCA in Oct 2022. Just reduced pred from 6mg to 5mg reducing by 1mg per month. All been fine but am now getting pain in my calf and right side of knee and middle/upper thigh. Sometimes get severe piercing pain (usually middle of night). No other symptoms. Do you think this is related and should I go back to 6mg? Could i take paracetamol to ease? Seeing Rheomo next week for 6 mth check. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Does the leg pain radiate into the buttock and back? What makes it better/worse? I'm assuming it is a sharp pain?

[Galore in reply to PMRpro]

No not in buttock or back. Yes sharp pain for 1/2 seconds. Pain can be in thigh one minute and then left of knee (not joint) and or calf. Seems to be getting worse! Did pilattes yesterday that seemed to help but couldn't do all moves. Maybe need to stretch out more? Thanks for help.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As it’s only one leg (presumably) then I’d try paracetamol initially.

Do you have a history of arthritis? As it only seems to come on a night perhaps it’s the way you are sleeping - if side sleeper maybe try pillow between knee- some more info here -

webmd.com/pain-management/k...

If paracetamol and attached don’t help you may need to increase Pred -but you need to ascertain what the pain is before assuming it’s PMR.

[Galore in reply to DorsetLady]

Don't really have history of severe arthritis. Have had sciatica but this is different. Will try pillow. Thanks

[Galore in reply to Galore]

Get pain in thigh and calf through the day - shooting pain mainly at night.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Galore]

Think you might need to discuss with GP -if it’s not PMR -and it doesn’t really sound like it, Rheumy may not be a lot of help…

X-ray might be useful to rule in /out osteoarthritis for starters (higher doses of Pred often mask OA pain) … but it could also be a trapped nerve…

[Galore in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL. Now thinking you may be right about trapped nerve. Pain top and side of leg particularly when sitting and then trying to get up - sharp pain! Terrible last night couldn't move! Nothing like when I first had GCA last year. Think will get massage and if that doesn't work contact Dr. Thanks so much for your help 🙂

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Galore]

Hope you get it sorted -and do let us know what it is…

[Galore in reply to DorsetLady]

Will do. Thanks for all your advice- your advice is much appreciated.

[Galore in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi saw Doctor monday have excellent flexibility and she does think it's sciatica. Waiting call from physio tomorro and doing pilates stretching exercise. Also call from Rheomo Dr. Tomorrow so will see what she has to say. Dr. Advised to take paracetamol to ease pain.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Galore]

Ok thanks, let us know what rheumy says please.

[Galore in reply to DorsetLady]

Sorry not responded before now. Pilates exercise/ stretching was good to start. Spoke to Rheomo she didn't think it was a flare but more sciatica.Was in agony for about 10 days on paracetamol every day. Couldn't sit, lie down or get comfortable. Finally saw Chiropractor last Monday- one leg shorter, not walking straight, muscles tense etc. 90% improved after 1 visit, 2nd visit today. Still have pain around knee and feels slightly frozen but so much better!! Sleeping with pillow between legs which helps. Pain worse on getting up but hot shower wonderful! Doing stretch exercises, lunges, sitting upright, ice packs, 🤞 getting there. On 4 mg pred all seems OK. Thank you so much for all the helpful info 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Galore]

I have slept with pillow between legs for ages - helps my lower back pain....glad to hear things are improving .😊

[Bluey-1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Me too, pillow between legs is supposed to help keep your spine aligned.

[BabyRuby1]

I’m no expert but I had the same pain you have in legs, sides of legs, back of legs. It finally went away but it happened when I lowered my prednisone. I can’t seem to get below 3 mg

My doctor keeps pushing me to lower but IM NOT LOWERING MY PREDNISONE IF I AM IN PAIN …..PERIOD no matter what he says. Why would you lower the prednisone if you are in pain?

[Galore]

Totally agree. No need to be in pain so best to have slightly higher pred. Not sure if not trap nerve as pain now top front and side of leg!! Get pain after sitting down need to stretch out. Still keeping 5mg so will see how it goes. Hope you can lower soon. Have you changed your diet to get cortisone working?