Steroid myopathy

[lisawd]

What is steroid myopathy? What are the symptoms?  Do you have to be on prednisone for a certain lenght of time? I have been on prednisone for 12yrs. I am just wondering!!!!!!!!

[tweedledumtweedledee]

dear dr.my wife was diagnosed with necrotising myopathy with bilery something or other 8 years ago.my question to you is why is there no cure or any thing to help my wife with extreme pain other than steriods? thanks also how rare is this disease?.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
“Steriod myopathy is muscle disease or weakness caused from over use of steroids especially Corticosteroids.”
Symptoms of steroid myopathy
Chronic (classic) steroid myopathy
• Proximal muscle weakness is more pronounced than distal muscle weakness; however, severe relative weakness of the anterior tibialis muscle can be found.
• Pelvic girdle muscles usually are affected more severely and earlier than pectoral girdle muscles.
• Muscle bulk typically is normal, but muscle atrophy can occur.
• Muscle stretch reflexes typically are normal.
• Sensory examination should be normal.
Acute steroid myopathy
• Generalized muscle weakness, not limited to a more proximal distribution, is noted.
• Muscle stretch reflexes typically are normal.
• Sensory examination should be normal.”
Refer: http://arthritis-symptom.com/s-z/steroid-myopathy.htm
A prolonged exposure of 12 years to steroids can cause it. Do you have the symptoms?Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!