I Started 15 Mg Daily Of Prednisone For Poly Myalgia

Posted on Wed, 8 Jan 2020

Question: I started 15 mg daily of prednisone for poly myalgia rheumatica on November 5. Two weeks later decreased to 12.5 mg, two weeks after that to 10 mg, two weeks after that to 7.5 mg daily. Four days later symptoms return including severe pain in left leg. Called rheumatologist she put me on a Medrol dose pack. Today is day five of the dose pack and for the past two days yesterday and today I have weakness in my legs. It feels like my knees are going to buckle unexpectedly. I did fall twice yesterday but did not get hurt. Doctor said when does package ended to return to prednisone at 10 mg daily. Put this weakness be due to the prednisone decreasing?

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (50 minutes later)

past two days I have had weakness in my legs with the feeling that my knees will buckle. I have fallen twice and did not get hurt. After the dose pack is ended doctor wants me to restart the prednisone at 10 mg daily. Could this weakness be due to the decreasing amount of prednisone I%E2%80%99m taking? Or is it something else? Otherwise I feel fine. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Weakness possibly caused by prednisone usage.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think the weakness, fatigue and instability in legs isn't much related to decreasing dosage of prednisone but it can be a side effect of using prednisone and medrol.
I think these symptoms will subside as you stop taking corticosteroids.
Consult your doctor about using them.
Keep a stabiliser stick in order to prevent possible falling.
Support yourself to the surroundings in order to prevent falling.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (16 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer. Would regular physical therapy help with the weakness in my legs?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Physical activity can be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I also can recommend you to measure the glucose levels fasting and post prandial.
These episodes may also be related to hypoglycaemia (reactive hypoglycaemia or related to insulin intake).
Physical activity is very helpful because it increases the muscle mass and as a result increases stability.
Wishing you good health.
Best regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T