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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@johnbishop

Welcome @anniekirby, I'm happy to hear your PMR is in remission. Mine is also in remission and I try to do daily exercises to help build my leg strength as well as work on my balance. I do have some Nordic walking sticks to use if I go on a long walk but don't use them for everyday walking. They really help with my balance. Walking is really good too. Here are some exercises I found that might be helpful if you haven't already tried them.

Balance Exercises for Seniors: 11 Moves to Try - Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors

Do you do other exercises to help with your balance and leg strength?

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Thanks for your reply.
No but I am aware I need to improve my balance so those exercises should be a great place to start!

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@anniekirby

Since my diagnosis in early 2020 I have always had weakness in my legs. During Prednisone but it eased when I was in remission for 6 months and now again while I am out of remission but not on Prednisone as the pain is tolerable. I have used a stick at times and had a fall. I go dog walking every day and this has helped. I also have a regular cramp in my left leg.
I don’t live in the US but in a small country with more limited medical services unless you can pay so don’t have access to the same resources. This type of forum is very helpful thank you.

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I quit prednisone after 2.5 years of PMR. Replaced it with morning green-tea-turmeric-ginger- black pepper and a wee pat of butter. No prednisone = weight loss further reducing joint stress.

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@hawtway

I quit prednisone after 2.5 years of PMR. Replaced it with morning green-tea-turmeric-ginger- black pepper and a wee pat of butter. No prednisone = weight loss further reducing joint stress.

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Apart from walking and gardening I’m taking a number of supplements and herbal tinctures. Including turmeric Vit C D etc plus have butter in my morning coffee. I was previously on a keto diet very successfully and have kept up the bullet proof coffee. Weight management is vital to me but only gentle. Kero is too tough for me these days I also have weekly acupuncture which helps the pain immensely.

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The reason for taking a pat of butter is to make the turmeric and black pepper WAAAAY more effective. Ginger and green tea are also anti-inflammatory. Yes, and a daily walk is needed.

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My first symptom of PMR was pain in my upper thighs and pelvic girdle. I was totally unable to get up from a sitting position without help, almost as if I had lost all muscle function. After two months of prednisone, I am able to get up and down, but still with some stiffness. The pain has shifted to the bicep area of both arms, but luckily not to my shoulders, neck or back.

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Generally yes. But my hips were so bad just 2 weeks ago I couldn't move them. Leg weakness I'd have to say yes. Blood pressure I'm concerned about from the Prednisone. Went to a machine today as no doctor available to check it, and it was elevated to 152/86, but as I sat there and tested it 4 times, it dropped to 136/78 (which isn't bad). Hot flashes and sweats (that's why I checked my BP). I'm hoping for the rheumatology referral soon as the neurologist was arranging that. I am not retaining fluids as nothing is swelling and good urination. Hunger is over the top (trying to eat healthy snacks and no salt). Always drink a lot of water and rarely use salt anyway. I sometimes get this feeling of being "high" and a little wonky. Overall I'm thrilled with the results so far. Sleeping well every night. I wish for your sake you would get your referral soon, weakness when you're not used to it is very concerning and stressful.

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@annettetompkins

My first symptom of PMR was pain in my upper thighs and pelvic girdle. I was totally unable to get up from a sitting position without help, almost as if I had lost all muscle function. After two months of prednisone, I am able to get up and down, but still with some stiffness. The pain has shifted to the bicep area of both arms, but luckily not to my shoulders, neck or back.

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So painful. I had to get a riser seat for my toilet. Hips are good now. Still some stiffness in shoulders and biceps. Overall after being on Prednisone just 2 weeks, I'm so happy with the progress, compared to just over 2 weeks ago, I could move nothing. All the best to you.

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@milld835

So painful. I had to get a riser seat for my toilet. Hips are good now. Still some stiffness in shoulders and biceps. Overall after being on Prednisone just 2 weeks, I'm so happy with the progress, compared to just over 2 weeks ago, I could move nothing. All the best to you.

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I had to do the same thing. So glad you have had such good results with Prednisone. It really is a wonder drug. I am trying to taper down now with some back and forth, but I want to have a somewhat normal life, so if I have to take a low dose for a while, that's okay with me. Luckily, I sleep like a baby and for the first time in my life take naps during the day. I would say that this illness saps your energy levels somewhat, but I am of the "could be worse" school!

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@annettetompkins

I had to do the same thing. So glad you have had such good results with Prednisone. It really is a wonder drug. I am trying to taper down now with some back and forth, but I want to have a somewhat normal life, so if I have to take a low dose for a while, that's okay with me. Luckily, I sleep like a baby and for the first time in my life take naps during the day. I would say that this illness saps your energy levels somewhat, but I am of the "could be worse" school!

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It most definitely could be worse. Energy does get zapped, but not quite so pronounced now. I hadn't slept for weeks. Awakened every couple of hours with the pain. A trip to the store would zap me and I'd come home and crash for 2 hours. Much more energetic now, but not overdoing it either. If there is a getting back to normal, we're well on the way. đŸ™‚

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Yes, I have weakness in my legs; in fact walking is difficult. My feet and toes are painful,too.

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