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How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Of Prednisone Last?
Question: I am having troubles with weakness in my legs. Originally this was thought to be a problem with an allergic reaction to statins and I was put on prednisone which did clear it up. However when I go off the prednisone the problem returns. I am normally an active walker and walk 4-5 miles/day. I can barely walk 1/2 mile now. My leg muscles feel all knotted up by that point. They have done a variety of blood tests which found nothing other then a low white blood cell count. I do also get a variety of joint pains that disappear with the prednisone.
Brief Answer:
need to see a rheumatologist and or neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you are having this difficulty. The problem with steroids like prednisone is that they definitely make things feel better but they have a lot of side effects if you have to take them long-term.
After reading your note my concerns are that you have something like polymyalgia rheumatica and autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. This would best be diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist.
If that is not the problem then seeing a neurologist to get nerve and muscle conduction studies would be a good idea.
You may end up needing to take prednisone long-term for one of these problems but you want to get a firm diagnosis before you commit yourself to a long term use of steroids.
I hope you get an answer soon.
Dr. Robinson
need to see a rheumatologist and or neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you are having this difficulty. The problem with steroids like prednisone is that they definitely make things feel better but they have a lot of side effects if you have to take them long-term.
After reading your note my concerns are that you have something like polymyalgia rheumatica and autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. This would best be diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist.
If that is not the problem then seeing a neurologist to get nerve and muscle conduction studies would be a good idea.
You may end up needing to take prednisone long-term for one of these problems but you want to get a firm diagnosis before you commit yourself to a long term use of steroids.
I hope you get an answer soon.
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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