Ankle arthritis pain before Total knee replacement

[LizP2003]

Hi, I am having a total knee replacement in a few weeks after an 18 month wait due to Covid. I’ve had 2 steroid injections in it, the most recent one being 5 weeks ago. This made my knee feel much better although bone-on-bone on one side so walking bow-legged, I could get around that much better. However, within a week my ankle (on same leg) swelled up and I’m in excruciating pain. Can’t get in to see GP (due to Covid - or whatever but they seem almost unreachable EVEN by phone) but after several notes through their letterbox I have now been told I will be put on their list for a steroid injection in the ankle but not for at least another 2 weeks. I am in agony, can hardly sleep. I loved swimming but haven’t been able to go as too painful although a health care professional said try Spin !! Also, some other arthritis sufferers say it’s possibly a “flare” but what I guess I am saying is has anyone on here had similar or can you offer some hope. I’m getting so depressed worrying that even if I go through all the pain if the knee replacement I won’t feel any benefit from it now because of my ankle arthritis. Im late 50s.

[Lolabridge]

It’s probable that the change in your gait has set off the ankle problem. If you get nowhere with the GP I suggest you use Voltarol and painkillers and rest your ankle.

[Jackie1947]

When I had hip pain pre op it also made my knee and ankle painful. It was called referred pain so maybe that's what making your ankle painful?

[LizP2003 in reply to Jackie1947]

Hi Jackie1947, thanks for that. I just wondered if the “referred pain” lasted very long and did it go before Or after you had the Op for your original hip pain? Thanks x

[Jackie1947 in reply to LizP2003]

Hi. It went after surgery.

[Susanhalstead]

This is probably due to your gait as suggested. Just one point though my consultant told me I must not have steroid injections for at least 6 months before knee replacement.

[Mikmax]

Hi sorry to hear that you’re in pain. Agree with post from. #Susanhalsted as GP said NOT to have injections prior to replacement surgery for 6-12 months. I had a half knee replacement and within a few months, although the surgery went very well I too experienced agonising ankle pain. Ended up being referred to the pain clinic and getting really strong painkillers. I was told that it was tendinitis and common with knee problems. In the end I googled Bob and Brad who are online physios (US) on YouTube and they do exercises for tendinitis which really really helped good luck hope you get it sorted