Is anyone else diagnosed with PMR experiencing weakness in their legs?

Posted by aspine @aspine, Nov 6, 2021

I have never noticed a problem with my legs prior to my diagnosis. Twice, I have kneeled down in public places - once in WAlmart - and was unable to get up. Scary!! This has never happened to me in the past. Is it the PMR, or is it prednisone, or is it that I have been misdiagnosed? My PCP is not suggesting a rheumatologist so far, and that alone concerns me.

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paelwell | @paelwell | Aug 17, 2022

In reply to @sue16833 "Thank you, very helpful!" + (show)

This is not my message. but , for the record, an extra 5mg of prednisone did not help at all.

ldingwall88 | @ldingwall88 | Aug 18, 2022

I've been having trouble with severe foot and leg cramping. Yesterday I saw my dr and asked if it was PMR, and she said that prednisone causes leg and muscle weakness. She said not to panic if that develops but to try to walk as much as possible until I'm able to taper down. I'm presently on 40mg a day to after being unable to manage a flare at 30mg. I'm hoping to be able to start a new taper soon. Good luck.

liz18235 | @liz18235 | Nov 14 9:39pm

Since before and after my diagnosis,I was having trouble with walking where my legs wouldn’t of worked.I can’t feel my leg and can’t lift it to walk.Very Scarey

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 15 7:24am

In reply to @liz18235 "Since before and after my diagnosis,I was having trouble with walking where my legs wouldn’t of..." + (show)

Welcome @liz18235, It can be pretty scary when you aren't able to lift your legs to walk due to weakness. There is another discussion you might find helpful:
-- Symptoms Concentrated in Legs?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/symptoms-concentrated-in-legs/

How long have you been dealing with PMR? Have you tried any PT or exercises to try and strengthen your legs?

loeloe | @loeloe | Nov 15 2:10pm

I don’t think the weakness in the legs is from the prednisone, since I don’t take it. It is the PMR. But I think with doing exercices it will get better. I can walk a lot again and feel I am getting better at getting up, although it is difficult and hurts.

rosemargaret | @rosemargaret | Nov 15 3:31pm

The PMR is definitely the culprit. I miss out on a lot of my grandchildrens activities because of the leg weakness. I don't have the energy to exercise but I know it might help strengthen my thighs especially. My doctors confirmed that it is the PMR but also the steroids.

bonandrods | @bonandrods | Nov 15 4:41pm

I call it “jelly legs”. Occasionally and randomly, I wake up and feel like my legs are like jelly. I fight thru it, bc I’m a fitness instructor, and for me, it usually goes away with exercise, even tho I don’t feel like exercising.

kayept | @kayept | Nov 16 7:02am

Hello, @aspine. My PMR was diagnosed 4 months after severe symptom onset. The inability to do my usual weight program was due to pain in my joints and muscles, not weakness. Now on 10 mg prednisone, all symptoms have resolved, and I'm back on my modified routine pain-free.
I urge you to get referred to a rheumatologist. I am on a call back list hoping to get in before the 4 months out scheduled appointment. We have to be our own body's advocates. Just tell your PCP this referral is your expectation and he/she should respond with support.
As a retired P.T., I feel exercise should be part of everyone's lifestyle. With PMR, we have to be mindful of flares. Modification of frequency and intensity are required, but some form of exercise is a must. I wish you the best and am glad you found this Mayo community. It has been so very beneficial for me!

kaljean | @kaljean | Nov 16 3:54pm

This PMR is weird. Painful joints but muscles are simultaneously weak and stiff...and it moves around. So, daily I didn't know quite what to expect. Now in remission, but nothings quite the same. I'm still adjusting.