Not diagnosed but family history of arthritis

[lucky1gg]

I have been experiencing ankle pain/aches in both ankles for years. I want desperately to be a runner and each year when the weather warms I begin walking and work my way to light/intermittent jogging but never full on running. My ankles kill me. I don’t want medication. Are there alternative supports or stretches?

[Mmrr]

Hi, sorry to hear of your ankle problems.

The forum is primarily a support network for people who have been diagnosed with RA, we are not medically trained and cannot offer advice such as you ask. If you believe you may have RA, you really need to seek medical advice. Running on inflammed ankles could cause serious damage, irrespective of wearing supports or not.

[sylvi in reply to Mmrr]

I second what Mmr says you need to get a diagnosis first, because if we suggest something and its wrong for you then there will be no trust if anyone else asks us a question.xxx

[bubblyalex in reply to Mmrr]

Totally agree

[helixhelix]

I suggest you talk to a sports physiotherapist. As maybe you need to strengthen your back, hips and legs before you can up the percussive exercise on your feet/ankles.

[oldtimer in reply to helixhelix]

I would second the suggestion that you talk to a sport physio. And he/she will tell you if they think your problem needs testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

My daughter had problems with her ankles and wrists and saw a helpful sports physio who arranged for screening tests as well as advising on supports and training precautions (my daughter plays tennis to a competitive level). There were also changes to her grip on the racket and to her footwear. It's made a big difference (but not currently with the restrictions on playing!)

[bubblyalex]

I’m sorry to disagree with some of the posts here but please don’t go to a sports physio first... I was with a sports physio for a year whilst all this was going on and all I did was get worse and worse and worse and worse. I put a lot of effort into everything he told me to do and he completely ignored my deteriorating mobility and health to the point that I was having to be carted around to my apps in a wheelchair and my crp hit 285. I should have gone to my docs. My physio was dangerous to my health. I ended up in hospital. Please see a doctor first. Physio is great only when they know what’s wrong.

[helixhelix in reply to bubblyalex]

The OP doesn’t want medication....and a good physio should tell the person if they feel the issue is inflammatory rather than structural. Sounds like your was rubbish! Sadly for you. However best is probably to do both...

[AgedCrone]

Go to see a doctor......quickest way to solve your ankle pain