
Originally Posted by
OneEyedJohnny
The swelling associated with water retention MORE likely is compressing a nerve, an early sign of compartment syndrome ... which can also compress the blood vessels. I would do neurovascular checks on the affected extremeties ... press on your skin/nail beds and make sure that it pinks back up within 3 seconds, move your fingers/toes, check for pinpoint sensitivity (use a sewing needle), and check your radial/pedal pulses. Steroid induced compartment syndrome is rare but CAN happen, this is where the lining around the muscle is rigid ... once the muscle swells within that "compartment", it cannot swell out anymore so it begins to swell IN, compressing the open spaces the veins/arteries and nerves pass through. This is more common in patients with fractures that "out-swell" their casts. This condition is treated by making incisions deep enough to cut the muscle lining along the length of the muscle to relieve the pressure, if it is not caught in time it can lead to amputation. If you feel the need take something that will prevent fluid retention, such as an anti-estrogen or diuretic ... or if you are using something that increases bloating of the muscle cell such as creatine or a cell volumizing supplement, you may want to cut back or stop using it. Also you could limit your sodium intake.
One Eye