Hi @lioness, thanks for your private message. You mentioned you have the same diagnosis I have and you also have a L2 fracture so your thighs hurt all the time. You said that hot showers help but that is short lived -- where the muscles attach to the bones ,knee ,hips,ankles in particular.

When I first get up in the morning it's difficult for me to walk and move in general. I've had this old man PMR shuffle since I was in my 50s is what my wife told me ☺ I try to ride my recumbent exercise bike first thing in the morning for 30 minutes at least 4 or 5 days a week, not at a strenuous pace but enough just enough to be comfortable that I'm moving. It really helps loosen my joints and get around easier. I do a few stretching exercises also to try and get the other parts moving besides the legs. I like hot showers too but it is like you say -- short lived.

I also have osteopenia and my doctor suggested I add 1200 mg daily of calcium. About six months ago I started taking 1 tablespoon of a Collagen Hydrolysate supplement that is water soluble so I mix it in a glass of water and it's pretty tasteless. It helps with joints, ligaments and connective tissue. One of the side benefits is it good for nails. My wife was amazed with how her nails now grow and are stronger. I really never noticed that even though it's listed as a benefit. I'm not sure it helps with the PMR but I feel like anything I can do that's more natural is better than drugs. I would like not to have to take steroids which is why we all struggle to get off of that stuff.

Thanks for letting me bring your question back into the discussion!

John