From the Guidelines
Prednisone, a commonly prescribed corticosteroid, does not typically cause locking of bilateral hands and feet. While prednisone can cause various side effects, joint locking is not a recognized direct effect of this medication. Instead, prednisone is actually often prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in conditions that might cause joint stiffness or locking. If you're experiencing locking in your hands and feet while taking prednisone, this is more likely related to your underlying condition or a separate issue that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Some patients on long-term prednisone therapy (typically months to years at doses above 7.5mg daily) may experience muscle weakness, bone loss, or tendon problems, but these manifest differently than joint locking. Other medications, neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal issues like trigger finger, arthritis, or tendon problems are more likely causes of joint locking. If you're experiencing this symptom, don't stop your prednisone without medical advice, but do schedule an appointment with your doctor for proper evaluation and treatment of the joint locking symptoms 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The most recent and highest quality study on the management of immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy does not mention joint locking as a common side effect of prednisone 1.
- A study on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis mentions that prednisone can cause various side effects, but joint locking is not listed as a potential side effect 1.
- A study on the management of toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors recommends prednisone as a treatment for certain side effects, but does not mention joint locking as a potential side effect of prednisone itself 1.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of joint locking and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Do not stop taking prednisone without medical advice, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms and other complications.
From the Research
Prednisone and Locking in Bilateral Hands and Feet
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that prednisone causes locking in bilateral hands and feet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, prednisone has been shown to improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and fingers 3.
- Additionally, prednisone has been used to treat De Quervain's tendinopathy, a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist and can cause pain and stiffness in the hand and wrist 4.
- Prednisone has also been shown to improve muscle function and strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that can cause muscle weakness and wasting in the hands and feet 2.
- However, long-term use of prednisone can cause muscle wasting and weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles of the limbs 6.
- Physical training has been shown to reverse prednisone-induced myopathy and improve muscle mass and strength in patients taking prednisone 6.