Considering the Use of Old Prednisone
I came across some leftover Prednisone from a hives flare-up I experienced back in April (20mg and 10mg pills). Now, I'm contemplating whether to use it for a pinched nerve, but I'm unsure if this is a wise choice. For some time, I've been grappling with an issue related to a pinched nerve. Unfortunately, I haven't consulted a doctor yet because I lack both insurance and the funds for an MRI. The discomfort seems to stem from my neck or possibly the wrist/elbow region. While there has been some improvement, I still experience an irritating sensation. Initially, it presented as a subtle pulling and tingling feeling, primarily affecting my middle and ring fingers, particularly when I bent or extended my arm quickly—like when gesturing to point at something. Over time, especially after prolonged periods of crocheting, the discomfort escalated to include all four fingers (excluding my thumb). I ceased all activities that could exacerbate the issue and sought treatment from my chiropractor, and I've noticed significant improvement in the past month. Despite this, I still encounter occasional discomfort throughout the day. There’s no discernible pain aside from the intermittent pulling and tingling, which has now mainly returned to affecting just my middle and index fingers. I've read that Prednisone might be beneficial in reducing inflammation and swelling in the affected area. Should I proceed with taking it? Additional Information: I am a 27-year-old female weighing 139 lbs. My daily medications include vitamin D, L-Lysine supplements, and birth control (Vienva, a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol).
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 4:34:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
Using leftover Prednisone without medical supervision could be risky, especially for treating conditions like a pinched nerve. Here’s a structured response to your situation:
Main Points
- Prednisone can reduce inflammation but should not be used casually without a doctor’s guidance.
- Your symptoms related to the pinched nerve are improving with conservative care.
- Monitoring your symptoms and considering other self-care strategies are essential.
Explanation
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. However, it has potential side effects and should ideally be prescribed by a healthcare professional who can weigh its uses against your medical history and current condition. Since you're already experiencing improvement and managing your condition through adjustments and chiropractic care, it might be better to continue with that journey rather than self-medicate.
Next Steps
-
Do Not Take Prednisone: Avoid using the leftover Prednisone without consulting a healthcare professional, as improper use can lead to unwanted side effects, especially if not medically necessary.
-
Continue Current Care: Keep up with the activities that have led to improvement, such as avoiding strain during crochet and following your chiropractor’s guidance.
-
Symptom Tracking: Maintain a symptom diary to note when the discomfort arises. This can help identify triggers and patterns that may be beneficial for future medical consultations.
-
Self-Care Measures:
- Apply heat or cold: Use a warm compress or an ice pack on the affected area to alleviate symptoms.
- Gentle Stretching: Incorporate neck and wrist stretches to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
- Rest: Ensure you're resting the areas involved to avoid further irritation.
-
Research Low-Cost Healthcare Options: Look into community clinics or telehealth services that may provide advice or care without requiring insurance.
If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention when possible. The combination of proactive self-care and professional guidance will best address your health needs.
Related Questions
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Mass on the Glottis
Patient Details: 63-year-old male, height 165 cm, weight 66 kg, Asian descent. Lifestyle Factors: No history of smoking or alcohol consumption. Medical History: Diagnosed with asthma and angina. Current Medications: Uses a Symbicort inhaler and takes Concor tablets. Main Concern: A mass was detected during a gastroendoscopy carried out a year ago. There is no report of pain, but the patient experiences mild hoarseness. What might be the diagnosis?
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?