Gouty arthritis symptoms and conditions

Was on Prednisone 2 years ago for respiratory problems 30mg. Gained 25 pounds, fat face, felt tired, etc.

However 2 years later, after weaning off Prednisone my muscles ache, joints are most always stiff, esp. hands plus my feet feel numb and my short term memory has not returned to normal----does any one else out there have similar problems. What can be done?

Update: I went to the ER last night and was pretty surprised when I received the results from my labs and the doctor's interpretation (diagnosis). My X-rays were completely normal and free of alignment problems or visible fractures which was expected. But, my blood work told the entire story... General inflammation indicator was slightly elevated and my uric acid concentration was through the roof. This indicates that I have developed Gouty Arthritis over a period of three-four days and have inflammation in my joints, the latter of which is improving or not severe enough to scare anybody.

I am just wondering if anybody else with sore, numb, and weak feet, ankles, wrists, and hands after/during the course of Levaquin has had a similar diagnosis? I have never experienced anything like this before, but hate to think that I may have aggravated it by drinking in order to alleviate some of the pain over the weekend.

There is no family or personal history of Gout for me. I must note that potassium deficiency and dehydration are side effects/warning conditions of Levaquin and am wondering if I was just dehydrated to begin with and my muscles were in pretty bad shape from coughing and aching for 5-6 days, then the antibiotic worsened it to this point. Either way, I will never take one of these drugs again and plan on considering this as an allergic reaction in the future.

FYI: The ER Dr. recommended Ibuprofen for the pain because the aspirin that i was taking could have been aggravating the condition. I also awoke just before four again this morning after having only slept 4.5 hours and experienced very vivid dreams and was unable to return to sleep. I'm beginning to believe that this is never going to end.

My Doctor prescribed prednisone for Gouty arthritis which I have had sporadic attacks of in the last 4 months. I had an attack last week and took 20 mg of Prednisone for 4 days then 10 mg for 3 days and then cold turkey. It seems to have done the trick with the gout but today I had excruciating pain deep in my thigh and shin bones. Also I felt like one of my legs was kind of asleep.I think I'll try and avoid taking it in the future.