Swollen legs ankles

Posted by scottschooley @scottschooley, Apr 24 7:59pm

I have tapered down from 48mg. to 12 mg. methoprednosone and am still quite swollen and have not lost any weight.. has anyone had this issue? Did you lose the weight on your own or did Dr. Prescribe something? I think its water but I'm not sure the Dr.s I talked to didn't seem concerned but I can't wear shoes now and it's annoying. Thank you far any replies.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 25 7:10am

Hi @scottschooley, I had the weight gain my first time around with PMR and prednisone but was able to control it the second time when my PMR came out of remission and I had to go back on prednisone. Diet and exercise is the best way I found to control it the second time around.

@dadcue listed some great suggestions along with references in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1030768/.

Is the reason you can't wear shoes due to your feet being swollen or do they just hurt with shoes on?

seniormed | @seniormed | Apr 25 11:41am

You could call your doctor for a visit and exam.
They could check your BP and possibly lab to see if
a low sodium diet or diuretic is indicated. They might suggest keeping your legs elevated and some support
stockings . Why suffer and they should encourage you
to walk.

prestol | @prestol | Apr 25 4:23pm

I have had swollen feet/ankles almost from the start of my taking prednisone. It’s been very uncomfortable and walking is difficult. I’ve been worked up for any other causes, such as cardiac or kidney issues, and none were found. Therefore, I try to avoid sodium and increase potassium, wear compression hose, elevate my legs for an hour in the middle of the day. And I take furosemide, a diuretic. I am now at 3.5 mg of prednisone, and the swelling is still present. It has been the most annoying of all the side effects. My total weight gain has been about ten lbs. I think you just have to be patient, as the side effects can linger for a good while even after you are no longer on prednisone.