Morning misery: Is prednisone effective 24 hrs? PMR and hands

Prednisone helps arthritis too. It depends on whether the arthritic pain is inflammatory pain or not. If the arthritic pain is "mechanical pain" caused my wear and tear then prednisone probably wont help too much. However, if the arthritis has any inflammation involved then prednisone will work.

There are many autoimmune disorders that cause arthritis. Collectively they are referred to as "inflammatory arthritis." Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most well known type of inflammatory arthritis. Prednisone was first used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.The history of corticosteroids and prednisone in particular is amazing.

We have doctors from Mayo Clinics to thank for prednisone. Depending on one's perspective, they can be blamed as well.

The following paragraph from the above link speaks volumes:

"Biologics have been developed and promoted that are used to replace and taper off low dose prednisone. Yet, glucocorticoids used appropriately can be the cornerstone of effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment of early active rheumatoid arthritis."

RA has come a long way. I would emphasize "early active RA" and not a long term treatment for RA.

PMR/GCA have some catching up to do.

My arthritis is strictly the mechanical type. I am 83 and many pains are from an active life that injured my joints. Since my PMR diagnosis, I have observed an anti inflammatory diet. My blood tests show no inflammation markers at all now. I am nearly finished with prednisone. My step down of 1 mg per month will end at end of February 2024.
Thanks for your input dadcue

Hi,
I spent 10 months suffering from pain I knew to be totally consistent with PMR. I'd had it for about 3 years 12 years previously. The Rheumatologist would not accept it was PMR because I did not have raised levels of CRP or ESR. It was only after my GP tested and ruled out for a whole range of conditions whose symptoms overlap with PMR that the Rheumatologist finally agreed I did have PMR. He had finally also deigned to read the extracts for medical journals I had found that showed that something like 20% of people with PMR do not have the associated blood markers.

I have mornings with significant pains (despite taking Prednisone daily). Mostly in upper arms and legs but sometimes in hands also. I attribute the hand pain to weather changes, not PMR. The other pains, I'm no doc but I have Smoldering Myeloma and Bladder cancer also, I wonder if they are kicking up my immune systems on some (not all) days.

I also had PMR diagnosis this past July. Have had bloodwork checked each month. No blood markers for me, as well.

It is better to be on a higher dose and limit the pain and inflammation than it is to be on a lower does and suffer. Inflammation can disrupt the healing process. Keep your dose at a level where you can handle the pain.

What are you eating? I'm sure you are already aware of this but just in case. - The foods you put into your body can have a direct impact on the level of pain and the inflammation.

There’s absolutely no answer to your question because we are all so so so different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for someone else!!! I learned this for myself by looking at the posts!!! at this point for me I am working with my rheumatologist on different plans and I’m going to see what happens while taking one day at a time!!! My best wishes to you!!!

No it doesn't seem to. I go to sleep usually around 11:30. Doing it this way has really helped with the morning pain.