advice please re inflamation in hands

[Redcottage]

Diagnosed polymyalgia. Started taking steroids 6 weeks ago. Reduced after 3 weeks taking 15mg steroids a day.

During this time hands, especially right hand very painful at night.

Can only take panadol to relieve the pain.

Last four mornings taking 20mg steroids. No improvement. Given different advice on how long I should continue to take 20mg steroids.

Has anyone else had this problem. Would be grateful to hear there story.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

My PMR was characterised by hip, foot and hand pain which steadily got worse over the 5 years I had it before being offered pred. It was a good 3 months at 15mg/12.5mg before I realised those pains had resolved. Now my wrists especially but also the rest of my hands are really sore when there is a change in the weather to rain and wind approaching, Given the weather in the UK - I might expect to have hand pain most of the time!!

Has your GP ordered hand x-rays?

[Bedwell]

my hand pain has got worse very recently. Particularly at night. Hands tingling as I write this. Seeing gp next week…..

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Any particular fingers affected?

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Yes right thumb has been dodgy for some days.

Hands were just really bad in night. Now just tingly as they’ve been for some while.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Thumb to middle finger are supplied by the median nerve which is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

What should I do? If anything?!?!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bedwell]

Mention it to your doctor. You can get splints to wear at night that help the pain. For some people, continuing a low dose of pred improves it, stopping oral pred may worsen it. You can have steroid injections which may sort it out. And surgery as a last resort.

[Bedwell in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. It just clicks!! Seeing gp next week . will mention !

[Golf-1]

I have recently posted on a different post that whilst on holiday a Pharmacist advised me to mix deep heat and voltarol for a painful right hand that I have had for nearly 3 years.

I have only been doing it for just over a week, but the pain relief is very noticeable.

I apply 1/2 inch (1 cm) of each on the back of my right hand between the thumb and first finger, mix it together with finger on left hand and continue rubbing it in.

It is working for me so might be worth a try.