Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Stevie, This may be of interest to you. Some time ago, Paolo, one of the M.D.'s with , explained to me steroids (Predisone, cortezone, kenalog, medrol and others) can weaken muscles. He does not even use steroids in his work with patients. Long term effects of steroids in already comprised muscles can have serious effects. However, some doctors still choose short term therapy - such as one injection, like I had once in my foot. Or the 3 epidural steroid injections prior to back surgery. I was also treated short term with Medrol during rheumatic fever as well as severe allergy flareups. On top of that the steroids puffed me up - looked like I gained weight. Other effects of steroid use in my included a jittery feeling constantly, and also wide emotional mood swings and depression. Since you have previously shared about your son and depression, perhaps the steroids are causing some of this? I know getting off steroids is difficult. Even on my short term therapies, I had a medically supervised 'tapering' schedule. Fortunately, I haven't had muscle damage from steroids, but this is something to discuss with your son's doctor. There are other alternatives for swelling and inflammation - I found Naprosyn to be a great alternative when needed. Ask your doctor for others. Sometimes I feel doctors give steroid injections/or tablets just because they don't know what to do. Also, lately, I have had a strained ankle - I did some research and in talking to a friend in homeopathics,I found Arnica, in gel form it goes on smooth, clear and gives 4 to almost 6 hours of relief and is especially good for muscle aches, trauma, bruises, etc. The brand I have is from http://boiron.com I got 75 g for $9.00 at our health food/supplement store here. It reduces pain, swelling, and discoloration from bruises. Another way to get swelling down is using ice. You can buy those gel/freezer packs at Longs or Walmart or your local pharmacy. Freeze them, then use on the foot swelling. Also feet lifted higher than the knees and hips will help in the swelling too. Another thought is also sometimes with swelling, their might be an underlying infection - so getting the full picture from the right orthopedist is going to be beneficial. ~ Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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