Prednisone offers short-term pain relief for osteoarthritis flares, typically at a dose of 10mg daily. However, prolonged use carries significant risks.
Short-term use (a few weeks) may provide substantial symptomatic improvement, allowing increased mobility and reduced pain. We advise discussing the duration with your doctor; exceeding this timeframe without close medical supervision is strongly discouraged.
Long-term prednisone use (months or years) significantly increases the risk of various adverse effects. These include, but are not limited to: osteoporosis, cataracts, weight gain, hypertension, increased susceptibility to infections, and mood changes. The benefits rarely outweigh the risks in the long term for osteoarthritis management.
| Short-term (weeks) | Rapid pain relief, improved mobility | Mild side effects possible (e. g., indigestion, insomnia) |
| Long-term (months/years) | Limited to no long-term benefit on disease progression | Increased risk of osteoporosis, cataracts, infections, hypertension, and other serious health problems. |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications are generally preferred for long-term osteoarthritis management. Prednisone should be reserved for short-term, severe flare-ups under strict medical guidance.
