Ankles

[Sunnyseas]

Hi,

My main symptoms started with the hands but this weekend it’s been my ankles, swelling on outside joint both feet, ankles feel very stiff. They hurt even when resting. Should I update my rheumatologist? On hcq.

[allanah]

Sounds like a good idea to me to talk to them x horrid feeling isnt it x

[Summerrain14]

Definitely worth a call. My main symptoms started in the same way as yours too. I’m learning that it is good to keep in tofu with my team so that they can give me some advice to the best way forward. So sorry to hear of your pain. x

[Hidden]

Yes definitely. I can sympathise. I have suffered this for over 2 years and have on going problems because it lasted too long. I was a bit of a martyr didn’t get help for months BIG MISTAKE.. learnt my lesson .. get in quick for help. Try to keep the weight of your feet. Difficult I know x

[springcross]

I would go for it, don't let it drag on as it will more than likely take longer to sort. Good luck xx

[Dobcross1]

Oh yes, tell your Rheumatologist. Like J1707 I suffer with this on and off and it's best to do something quickly. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

[Mrspainting48]

I hope they can help you....my left ankle started swelling a year ago.....i now can not weight bear......I was given an xray after becoming a bit of a pest......my bones are fusing.....I have had no help or pain relief ( I am drug intolerant).NRAS have helped and supported me.

Because of the virus ...Rheumatology support has been not there for me.

NRAS intervined on my behalf ...they tell me more xrays and an appointment with an Oesteo conslutant will happen...

But so far I have heard nothing.

So please push to see your team. I dont wish this pain on anyone

.

[Sunnyseas in reply to Mrspainting48]

Hi Mrspainting48 - thank you for your message. I’m so sorry that you are suffering and haven’t had the support you need. I hope there will be some progress for you soon with the osteo, take care, ss

[Sheila_G]

Yes. I have trouble with my ankles. I just rest up and use hot and cold compresses. I strap up with crepe bandage if really bad and wait until it goes down.

[JessicaEccles6]

I am having the same at the moment and have emailed my consultant asking for an urgent appointment. It's really affecting my walking and my balance. Plus the pain is making me quite EVIl tempered..

[oldtimer]

Not enough attention is paid to our feet and ankles. It's not part of the DAS score and it's often difficult to get a rheumatologist to look at them. I know when I did he looked horrified and referred me on to an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in feet (who was super, I'm glad to say).

[Leics]

Yeah definitely update your team. I’m the other way around except mine started in my wrists closely followed by my ankles then knees then hips and although my hands have never been a problem they sure are now probably down to the issues of Covid taking over this year and being unable to see anyone. Don’t leave it and hope it will go away but that’s the thing it may well go away and then come back to bite you so make the call to your rheumy.

[Hidden]

You should definitely tell them, but frankly, they don't take much interest in feet or ankles. My ankles were also very swollen when the RA was really bad and not yet under control. My (very nice) consultant just said there can be several reasons for it. I came across some good advice on the NICE website, telling people not to rush on to diuretics (which GPs tend to do). It said you can often get just as good results from elevation, increased activity and support hosiery. I put a couple of pillows at the bottom of the bed to elevate my feet, I tried to move my ankles as much as I could, waggling and circling them when I couldn't walk around and got some very snazzy support socks from vitalactive.com. Not the cheapest, but they give you a lot of help with how to measure and get the best compression for you.Success didn't come immediately, but they were definitely a good thing for me. I haven't needed them for a long time now and my ankles only swell a bit in very hot weather.

I hope this helps.