Reader questions long-term effects of steroids

DEAR DR. GOTT: My lady friend has had problems with arthritis and plantar fasciitis for about five years. She is 51 and postmenopausal. Her doctor prescribed methylprednisolone, which has helped both problems, but we are concerned about the underlying soreness that is a sort of weakness of bones and muscles. She is sore slightly but worse when poked or bumped. What are the long- and short-term side effects of this drug? Is a multimineral program best?

DEAR READER: Arthritis is pain and stiffness of the joints. You don’t specify what type she has, so I will generalize because there are actually more than 100 forms.
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