Exercise Induced Vasculitis

[Gc2596]

I am just 6 months into my Prednisolone journey and learning, mostly from this forum, all the time. Not withstanding the obvious pain/ache relief it brings I have actually found a 'bonus side effect '. Not many of them eh! For many years I have suffered from Exercise Induced Vasculitis (also commonly known as Golfers Vasculitis). This is an inflammation of the blood vessels, in the lower leg, resulting in an unsightly red 'rash'. A good walk is a big part of my life, though proceeding with care now. Mainly happens in warm weather but wearing gaiters in winter can also cause it. Yet another 'condition' that occurs in the over 50s and more so in women. However, until I lowered to 5mg it never occurred (currently back to 10mg). I call them my 'Pred Legs' now! My friend and myself used to swap photos to see whose legs looked the most vibrant red. Although I'm sure she isn't jealous of my PMR! So, at the moment I'll take this 'side effect', along with the Osteoarthritis in my fingers not troubling me as much, but perhaps feel better when both return as then my PMR going in the right direction 🤞 Perhaps others have experienced this scenario?

[123-go]

Hello, Gc2596.

I’m not at all sure that Exercise Induced Vasculitis is a side effect of Polymyalgia Rheumatica or perhaps I should say that I haven’t heard of it in this context. How do you explain the connection if you’ve had EIV for a number of years but are only six months into your PMR journey? In any case, I sympathise: it all sounds most uncomfortable ☹️.

[Gc2596 in reply to 123-go]

Hello 123-go. Perhaps I didn't explain clearly but it's taking the Prednisolone, an anti inflammatory steroid, that has reduced the inflammation that causes EIV. Hence a welcome side effect!

[123-go in reply to Gc2596]

Thank you for the explanation… should have paid more attention to what you’d written. I took prednisolone for PMR for six years (now in remission) and I do know that Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication 🙂. I’m pleased to hear you have moderated your favoured form of exercise to avoid relapse.

[AmbientB]

Hi

Very interesting as I'm in the same position. I was prone to exercise vasculitis prior to PMR and it mostly occurred after a longer walk in hotter weather. Looking back on it I tend to think of it has an early warning sign that I was a candidate for PMR - PMR itself being a type of vasculitis. Since being on steroids it hasn't happened, and the few long-lasting pigment patches from the iron in the blood also disappeared from my legs. But also changed my exercise habits from one 60 minute walk a day to 2 x 20 minute walks to limit the stress I put on the muscles. So I am not sure whether it's just a more cautious approach that has eliminated the EIV.

[Gc2596 in reply to AmbientB]

Enjoy your walking. I think I'd melt walking in temperatures you must encounter! Hadn't considered EIV a precursor as had for many years but can understand your perspective. I am convinced mine was triggered as a result of a heavy fall and manifested 2 weeks later. It does appear "bodily injury" is one of the possibilities.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Never heard anyone comment on it before - but a few people have had unrecognised benefits from taking pred and only found out when they stopped!

What do you mean by gaiters? Just curious ...

[Miserere in reply to PMRpro]

I would think waterproof gaiters that cover the top of the boot and the bottom of waterproof trousers - useful things.

[Gc2596 in reply to PMRpro]

Miserere has provided a perfect description. Yes, great for protecting top of walking boots and bottoms of trousers. A staple piece of 'equipment' for most walkers. However, the extra layer they provide and being waterproof creates even more warmth in the lower leg and hence aggravates EIV even more so. I've tried that many different walking socks, (fibres/length), in an attempt to keep cooler with varying results but nothing, until Prednisolone 😁, work well. I could stock a sock shop!