Swollen foot

[Pasjc]

Hi I have RA I've been on biologic injection for 6 months and low dose steriods. A couple of months ago I suddenly wasnt getting the same from my injection but still better than without it. The last few days my right ankle and foot is very painful and swollen I do have osteoarthritis of the knee could this be the problem I really dont want to bother the rhumatoid team . Thank you

[JulezH]

This is going to sound weird but is your swelling in a sort of L shape on the outside of your foot? I have had lots of ankle issues and my Rheumy doctor said that my swelling was L shaped and typical for RA.

[Pasjc in reply to JulezH]

Hi it's all round a the ankle the the top of the foot comes up on a dome the left foot is fine. The leg from the knee down is painful. I wondered if it's due to lack of exercise due to covid xx

[Lolabridge in reply to Pasjc]

I had similar and both ankles were affected but the right was worse than the left. My Rheumy decided my medication wasn't working well enough for me so he switched me to something else.

Have any other symptoms started reappearing? If not it's less likely to be RA and more likely something else, possibly OA in the ankle or a side effect of the knee problem. Either way I would take photos to send to your patient helpline/Rheumy nurse and ask for advice.

[Gnarli]

But that's what they're there for. If things are feeling so much worse they need to know. I do hope an ice pack or whatever you use to ease matters helps you even if it may be temporary. Take care

[BoneyC]

Maybe try 111 online rather than phoning. I had an infection on a Saturday during lockdown and used 111 online and it was excellent. Within 90 minutes a doctor had phoned and discussed the problem with me and sent a prescription to my village pharmacy which my husband picked up for me. Great service.

[oldtimer]

You should still use the contact that you have with your rheumy team. They need to know what is going on with you or they will assume you are well and not in pain. Don't feel that you should not bother them because of the current pandemic. They are worried that things are being missed.

[Hamby10]

I would ring them for advice without a doubt. I suddenly got gout even though i am not overweight, vegetarian and don't drink beer! Very painful. They gave me colchicine and that sorted it. Other things can cause swelling. Better safe than sorry. They won't mind you calling!