Shoulders “popping” and catching

Posted by gilbert56 @gilbert56, Sep 22 9:59pm

I’ve been on roller-coaster Prednisone dosage for a year. Currently, am back on 10 mg. for shoulder pain, hip stiffness, etc. My shoulders aren’t hurting much now, ( been back on 10 mg. for 4 days), but when I move they “ catch” and pop. I don’t even have words to describe it, so can’t relay it to husband/ doctor. Has anyone had similar sensations? It’s like my ligaments are malfunctioning….

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cyndip | @cyndip | Sep 23 5:42am

My shoulders did the “catching” for a while - it was awful. I found a couple of simple exercises on line that would release the catch. Since then I’ve been doing some very gentle resistance exercises with an exercise band and they’re not catching any more. Hope this helps a little- not sure if you are having the same problem I had.

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Sep 23 7:01am

I had the catching too…..my trainer/functional movement specialist would work the area. Ultimately the TVT (targeted vibration therapy) was the best solution.

stonewheel | @stonewheel | Sep 23 12:56pm

Yes, I have this too.
I thought I was alone.
Rheumatologist says not PMR, but…?
PCP says ask surgeon.
Orthopedic surgeon had CT scan w/contrast done. Thinks it may be a rotator cuff torn a little bit from the bone. Couldn’t see it on scan though.
I think it is related to PMR.
It seems like I have a lot of the very rare PMR symptoms and most of the adverse side-effects of Prednisone. I do my best to keep a positive attitude.
You’re not alone.
I’ve found a few light resistance exercises that help tremendously. I have to do them about every day to feel normal. If I don’t, they catch, click and hurt. Sometimes, if I have missed a few days, it takes a little more patience and a little longer to get normal.
Best wishes.

rhonna | @rhonna | Sep 23 1:07pm

Mine grind and pop all the time, but I also have osteoarthritis. It does seem worse for the week following a taper. Right now it is bad popping and pain, as I went down to 8mg daily last week. Maybe others can share if they experience it also?

kjoed53 | @kjoed53 | Sep 24 6:10am

Osteoarthritis comes back in the picture during a prednisone taper. Prednisone helps manage that pain and inflammation too. For me, it felt like it came back with more pain and symptoms, including shoulders and knees popping. I think that's because what I had gotten used to gradually over years was suddenly back over a period of days and weeks.

elizterrel | @elizterrel | Sep 25 10:52am

I worked with a physical therapist as soon as I could - regaining strength and mobility ideally involves all the little muscles and movements, too, and that requires different focus. I'd gotten much weaker from limited movement due to PMR and direct pain.