Prednisone & Joint Body Pain

Prednisone is both a benefit and a hazard to joints.

Steroids are naturally produced in the body. Prednisone is a synthetic version of the steroid cortisone which is produced naturally by the adrenal glands. It is helpful in decreasing swelling, regulates metabolism and improves immune function. A common joint-related ailment is arthritis. Prednisone is prescribed to ease joint pain by reducing inflammation.

History

In 1948, steroids were first introduced into the world of medicine. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic pioneered the use of steroids to treat debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone was first used in 1955. The adrenal glands create about 5 milligrams of natural cortisone (equivalent to prednisone) daily in the human body.

Types

There are a number of brand names for the generic prednisone. The most popular includes Deltasone, Orasone, SK-Prednisone and Meticorten. It is administered by mouth, inhaler, topically or injected. Prednisone is not to be confused with the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. It is also not related to the anabolic steroids that weightlifters use to gain massive muscles quickly.

Features

Though it is unclear just how prednisone functions, doctors understand its affects on the body and joints. When the dosage of prednisone is larger than the natural amount of cortisone produced, prednisone halts inflammation. It delays the debilitating effects of arthritis in the joint, slowing deformity.

Considerations

Patients with certain preexisting conditions need to notify the doctor before taking prednisone. It is hard on the stomach and will make gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers worse. Blood pressure, eye pressure and sugar level increase while taking prednisone. People with high blood pressure, glaucoma or diabetes need to keep this in mind.

Warning

Long term usage of prednisone must be closely monitored by your doctor and any side effects need to be communicated. This steroid should always be taken as directed by your pharmacist. A sudden absence of prednisone in the body after long-term use can result in withdrawal symptoms including increased joint pain.

There are a number of possible side effects of long-term prednisone. Patients should increase their consumption of calcium to combat osteoporosis and fractures. Rarely, patients taking high dosages of prednisone develop a condition called avascular necrosis. Also called osteonecrosis, it calcifies the bones making the hip joint painful and immovable. The possibility of infection is increased and adrenal glands can stop producing natural hormones. In women, menstrual periods can become irregular according to the Mayo Clinic.

References

• "All About Prednisone"
• "No More Joint Pain";Joseph A. Abboud, Soo Kim Abboud;2008
• Mayo Clinic