Prednisone - Does prednisone Cause Edema in Ankles & Feet? Is it a concern?

When on prednisone salt needs to be avoided as much as possible. If you can prepare all meals without salt, that would cut down on swelling tremendously. I wish pharmacies/health providers would inform patients.

I am frustrated because of taking
prednisone, like my most recent burst for a serious round of bronchitis. It helps my breathing, stops my rheumatoid arthritis pain, and generally helps me feel well. Afterward, foot swelling, joint pain, chills, all return. Also I didn’t weight gain, but necessary weight loss!! Why can’t the big drug companies come up with a decent drug to work as well as a steroid and as well as an antibiotic? The only comment I received from my doctor via a nurse was, “well she IS Diabetic”. Real brilliance there!! I’m just tired of having so little help or answers. I am a 72 year old female. My hope is still looking forward. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Yes steroids those little wonder drugs with so many bad side affects... evil isn't it I'm a double lung transplant patient resulting from cystic fibrosis and I have steroid induced diabetes and also on a high dose of prednisone to start to taper down after 5 days... Recentlly admitted to hospital with pneumonia in lower parts of my lungs and they started the steroids in the hospital along, with IV vancomycin and zosyn now I'm discharged but my feet and ankles are swollen a lot very tight feeling almost painfully so. Anyway wanted to share my recent misery and confirm that yes steroids suck, but are necessary apparently!

Good luck sir and god bless!

I would say yes, I had swelling in my ankles this happened to me in July, same 10 day regime for upper respiratory infection. I also think the steroids led to a bleed in my small intestines which put me in the hospital, I didn't realize just how much damage steroids could do...

Wondering how your husband is doing with the swelling. If he still has it press on it. If it leaves an indentation that doesn't bounce back or is hard, he needs to see a doctor right away. Have his feet up to reduce swelling. Walking does as well. The solumedrol is another steroid to reduce a reaction of the other meds he received in the IV. If he was reacting to that large amount, he may be much better now.

I have taken Prednisone for the biggest part of 28 years and swelling and fluid retention are common side effects. It is good that your husband is on the Zpack, where you take a high dose, or any dose and take for 10 days, tapering every day or so. Drinking plenty of water will help get rid of the edema. If it continues after he stops the Prednisone, a few days worth of Lasix will help get rid of excess water retention.