Ankle Stiffness

[Jillybean1983]

Good morning all, has anyone got any tips on still ankles, mine are so stiff and painful today 🙏🏼 I’m sat at work just rotating my ankles x

[Lolabridge]

Painkillers would probably help with the pain. But you could try applying Voltarol gel and see if that helps at all. I have some capsaicin cream which was suggested by my Rheumy nurse as stronger than Voltarol and prescribed by my GP. I’m luck I only need to use either of these if pain and stiffness is really bad. I’m on Prednisolone anyway.

The other thing you could try is taking fish oil supplements which are recommended for RA especially if you don’t eat much oily fish. We are advised to take fish oil that is from the body of the fish not the liver (so not cod liver oil).

I’ve not tried CBD oil or balm yet - perhaps you will get a response from someone who has.

[Jillybean1983 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you, I’m on BuTrabs patches for pain but it’s just not covering it at all, I’ll try the

Fish oil. I won’t do steroids due to being diabetic too. I’ve tried CBD oil but didn’t really do anything, I may try the highest dose 👌🏼🙏🏼

[Lolabridge]

You don’t say what medication you are on for your RA. If nothing I suggest you contact your Rheumy for advice.

[Jillybean1983 in reply to Lolabridge]

Hi I’m on 25mg metoject & hydroxychloroquine & have BuTrans pain patches

[Hidden]

Oh Jillybean I know exactly how you feel . My ankles were permanently stiff for the most of last year. I tried everything steroid injections, physio was sent for orthotics to be made ( still waiting for them) exercise , Epsom salts baths exercise balls and numerous new shoes. Nothing truly helped. Woke up one morning absolutely fine. Still get some stiffness now and again but doesn’t last too long. It’s a sign your disease is active. I am on methotrexate injections and tried hydroxychloroqine and sulfasalazine both I’m allergic too. Start etanercept next week so I’m hoping 2020 will be better. If the stiffness persists contact your Rheumy clinic for advice.Hope it improves

[Jillybean1983 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks J1707, my feet have never really bothered me much until the last few days, I wear custom orthotics for another condition but they’re not helping , I’m on MTX & Hydroxy and emailed OT & left a v.mail for the Rheumy nurse but he must be busy

[JFlay]

Hi, I started going to a aqua therapy wellbeing class. My exercises are targeted specifically for my feet and ankles and it's helping a lot. I noticed they were worse over the Christmas break 😕

[Jillybean1983 in reply to JFlay]

Ohh was that at a local pool to you?

[JFlay in reply to Jillybean1983]

Yes at the local leisure centre but it's run by an osteopath and physio team. Really good and only costs a fiver 😁

[charisma]

Hi Jillybean,

Your GP could prescribe Piroxicam gel. I find it settles eg very sharp and painful shoulder-clavicle-sternum pain. I use it even on my wrist tendons when they are horribly painful.

I was surprised it actually helped!

Lots of good responses already, particularly that it shows active disease. It might also be overdoing rest/activity. Got to balance those. Hope you soon find the stiffness lifts.

I can also testify to bad pain in particular joints simply disappearing.