Lumps on lower leg

[shareasmile]

The photo is not very good, but it shows lumps that I have developed just above the ankle bone on my left leg. Anyone have experience with this? I have no pain really, but my ankle feels sore and when pressed, the area feels uncomfortable. I have an MRI next week after fighting to get one for over a month. X-rays show no bone involvement. (The one marked new is a more recent development.) Any clue, anyone?

[Jules23]

May be worth asking doc to consider erythema nodosum. I had it and it started as one then became several tender lumps under the skin. Lower legs are the usual place for it. It is one of those unexplained things... hope this is helpful and good luck.

[shareasmile in reply to Jules23]

Fascinating! I knew someone on this site would have helpful information. Thank you so much, Jules, for offering that possibility. Obviously, I can't be sure that EN is the culprit, but it does give me something to pursue. Interestingly, I have seen THREE doctors about these lumps--my primary care, my rhuematologist and an ortho doctor and everyone of them is stumped! I'm shocked that no one has suspected EN!

[Jules23 in reply to shareasmile]

Hi, no worries. Obviously I am not medical but just looks similar to mine. Might not be, but at least you can rule in or out. Took several doctors and eventually a private dermatologist of all people for diagnosis of mine. Hope all goes well.

[Barnclown]

Hi shareasmile...i too immediately thought of erythema nodosum::

pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidan...

I forget whether you’re hypermobile, but here is another link that may be useful if you are:

ehlers-danlos.org/informati...

Please let us know how you get on

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[shareasmile in reply to Barnclown]

As always, Coco, you offer great links for helpful information! As I stated to Jules above--THREE doctors have been clueless. I'm not saying that EN is definitely the cause, but none of these doctors even suggested it! There is such a wealth of personal experience on this site that can be so helpful for the AI world.

As for being hypermobile, my rheumatologist suggested it at my last appt because my thumb cmc joint keeps popping out of place. I also had SI joint dysfunction, which as I understand could be from hypermobility.

Thank you for responding, Coco! Your posts are always intriguing and worth a good look!

[Barnclown in reply to shareasmile]

😍😊🤞✌️🍀😘

[webar4780]

Hi shareasmile

I recently had an ultrasound for similar if not the same lumps.

The sonographer told me they appeared to be fatty tissue necrosis or lipomas. He didn't seem overly concerned so I'm not going to fret.

I will ask rheumatologist at next appointment, which was March, now put back to May! NHS shortages grrr..

Good luck.

[shareasmile in reply to webar4780]

Hello webar!

Lipoma was ruled out for me. I guess mine are "likely inflammatory". Duh. Possible thrombophlebitis. They are fading away now, so I guess it's just another one of those things that happen with autoimmune crap!

Thanks so much for sharing!

[CaliforniaGail]

Sounds like what my rheummy diagnosed me, panniculitis. I just now went to the erythema nodosum link -- "It is a type of panniculitis, ie an inflammatory disorder of the subcutaneous adipose tissue". Felt like very sore marbles just under the skin, lower legs above ankles. It was about 6 years ago when I was only diagnosed with APS and so, since I was also complaining about stiffness and aches, he prescribed Plaquenil. The marbles disappeared, never to return, and my joints felt great. The bumps left dark, slightly indented bruises that lasted many months.

[shareasmile in reply to CaliforniaGail]

Hi CaliforniaGail!

I just received the MRI results and it states that the lumps are "likely inflammatory in nature or possibly related to superficial thrombophlebitis." No lipoma. After almost 3 months, they seem to be shrinking and fading away. Just one more thing to add to the "weird" list! My rheumatologist wants to start me on Plaquenil, but I would like to dial down and stop sulfasalazine then! Orencia is doing very well for me already.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Punahukka]

I had palm sized panniculitis lumps on my arms and shin. Initially doctors thought i had lupus panniculitis, but also have other symptoms so now borderline sle. With medication the lumps went away and now i have palm sized holes. The lumps begun as small pearls and then geew together. I've had allegy shots on my arms 10 years ago and I've had these small lumps since then in summer. Now it got really bad with high fever. But better already, for 6 months.

[shareasmile in reply to Punahukka]

Yours sounds very strange! So far, I have not developed any holes. Sorry this has happened to you, but glad it seems to be improving!