Can’t walk properly on ankle..flare

[Han1]

Hi there 😊

I’m having an RA flare; mostly left wrist and ankle. What do other people do to help the ankle in particular? Walk on it? Rest it? I’m finding it difficult to walk on properly at the moment.

Thank you for reading.

H 😊

[Neonkittie17]

I like to raise my ankles and immobilise for a while. I find an Epsom salts foot bath or any soak to soothe the feet is helpful to take the pain out. I soak my feet for ten minutes as any more I’m like a soggy prune! It might be too warm this weekend for a warm foot bath but cool ones can take down the swelling. Or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Ice and heat both work for me. You can try an ice pack for your wrist or some Epsom salts in a sink full of warm water squishing your hand and wrist in it gently. Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden in reply to Neonkittie17]

NK is right about the Epsom salts

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Hidden]

It really works. 💗

[Han1 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thank you so much for your advice. I’ll get onto the Epsom Salt foot Bath ASAP. 🙏😊

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Han1]

You’re welcome and hope it brings you much relief.

[Knip in reply to Neonkittie17]

I used Epsom salts last night for a foot bath. So cooling. x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Knip]

Yes, it takes the sting out doesn’t it? Old remedy of magnesium sulphate which works for so many aching tired joints and muscles. Great for foot cramps too which I often get. x

[Hidden in reply to Neonkittie17]

Ice is dangerous - can cause permanent nerve damage.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Hidden]

Depends to what extent. Same with heat. Ice is recommended by physiotherapists and always with caution when I’ve had it. There is a limit on how long they’ve used it on me and never applied it directly to the skin. Can’t open your link. .

[Hidden]

Oh yes the heat has set me off too . Cool water soaks for feet but I do rest my ankle . A physio told me to use a walking stick ( got a bit stubborn) I was reluctant but got to the point I couldn’t walk around the house. If my ankle is playing up I now use the stick and I recover quicker. For my wrist I use a brace it does help .. keep cool and hope it’s a flash flare x

[Han1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply & advice. Yes, keeping cool feels right, hands and feet on fire! The wrist support is helping thank you. 🙏😊

[Lolabridge]

Sorry you’re suffering - I do too quite often.I suggest rest and elevate and follow nk’s advice. If you need to stand or walk on it keep it to a minimum and take painkillers beforehand.

[Han1 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, It doesn’t feel right to walk much on it, never had it this bad before. You take care too. 🙏😊

[medway-lady]

I had this happen on a cruise once and the doctor on board gave me a steroid jab and lots of ice. It was better and all pain and swelling gone in a few hours. So I'd suggest ring 111 or GP on Monday.

[Han1 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you for your reply. I’ll try the Epsom salt baths first. But I may need to resort to a steroid again soon. 🙏😊

[Froggie70]

Hi I find slathering it in arnica gel helps (water based version from SBC). 🤗💐

[Han1 in reply to Froggie70]

That’s a great idea, thank you! What’s SBC? 🙏😊

[charisma]

Hi Han1

I use supportive walking footwear and also bought two types of ankle supports but if it’s uncontrolled RA it might need a steroid jab unless you are receiving oral steroid to tide you over.

Wrist support/splint usually provided by OT. 🌸

[Han1 in reply to charisma]

It’s very uncontrolled 😕 waiting for next biological prescription to process. If it carries on I’ll get an ankle support. Thank you so much for your reply 😊🙏

[Flor1rence]

Hi Han, my ankles are very swollen in this weather but in particular my right one, the doctor said I may have some osteoarthritis in there but he has decided to put my MTX up 2 doses but I can't get hold of the pens from Alcura, they are so busy, been waiting 3 weeks now to have contact let alone arrange a delivery!!!😤The inflammation in my body is pretty rough atm. Maybe I try the Epsom salts, I do have some, thank you Nk. Hope they work for you too Han x

[Han1 in reply to Flor1rence]

Hey Florence, I’m sorry to hear it’s tough for you too 😕 those foot baths sound good. I’m going to give the Epsom salts a go too. Take care & hope you get the help you need soon 🤞😊🙏

[Flor1rence in reply to Han1]

thank you x

[Mrspainting48]

My left ankle has been very painul since the first lock down.....walking became hobbling....which in turn affected my knees(replaced)...hips (one replaced).and my lower back.......Right now i go from bed...chair......toilet.....I had a boot made with a caliper that allows good support and gives me some movement...

Orthopedic conslutant thought fusing ankle may help....reduce pain.....only telephone cnversation.....not seen visually....Rheumatologist conslutant saw me but did not look at ankle referred me to former Orthopedic guy.....

Saw Rheumatoid physio she looked and sent imformation to both former consultants.....both rang me.....no real help

No pain relief drug intolerant.

Still ankle hurts.....i am using two crutches and a wheelchair.....my independence has gone......my arms hurt. with crutches......my back aches.....my knees and hips..plus old sciatica damage has returned.....i cant see an end......

I hope you can.....

[smilelines in reply to Mrspainting48]

This is not a good disease. I hope you feel better soon.

[Mrspainting48 in reply to smilelines]

Having lived and worked with RA since my 30s I am now in my 70s....I dont ever see getting better soon as an option....But thank you for your caring words..

[smilelines in reply to Mrspainting48]

I have only had this for three years. I am so afraid of the future. This is awful. I was told this disease will slowly mane me. Your post touched my heart. You must be brave and strong to have endured almost 40 years of this disease.

[Mrspainting48 in reply to smilelines]

Not brave. Pain is pain no matter how big or small.I have never considered my RA as an illness but more of an inconvenience....I love living and am selfish enough not to allow anything to stop me doing just that....plus i was brought up to get on with things.....

Like you i have the worse RA...i was told i would be in a wheelchair in my 50s.....they got that wrong.....Now they say I am in stage 4 RA......

Yes my body is alien to me it is bent twisted and it really hurts.....and some days I get the Why Me mood........then i look outside and see life .....good or bad.......and my children and grandchildren.....and i am back in the room............positive thoughts...one consultant once said to me.....You could wake up one day and it could have all gone......it still makes me chuckle.......use your good days and embrace your cotten wool days.....look to meditation and relaxation....gentle exercise.....and lots of natures fresh air......

Take care of you xx

[Sheila_G]

Ice and elevation. That is the best thing for me.

[Neonkittie17]

creakyjoints.org/living-wit...

Hope this link works. Have a look and see if anything new or helpful here to you. Not all advice applies to each of us of course/is suitable. I know my knees and ankles suffer if I’m carrying more pounds around and at the mo I need to lose some excess pounds. Happening, but not as fast as I’d like but I’m making a really big effort. (Lockdown/ shielding meant less walking which was my way to lose weight.). The CJ article says 10 pounds of excess body weight can make a big difference to ankle and knee pain and that’s certainly my case at the moment. x

[Knit12]

Me too needing to walk with a stick. Tried compression socks but that didn’t help. Will try the Epsom salts. Just wanted to let you know I feel your pain x

[Wearylady]

Thank you for asking the question,so many useful tips in your replies particularly the Epsom salts.Hope you get some relief.

[nanny_bee]

I'm suffering with a flared ankle just now not much helped from my volunteer job in a charity shop where we have to wear shoes not sandals. Did a shift yesterday and can hardly walk on it today. Lucky enough to live near the coast and have had a swim this evening which has helped so may try another tomorrow.

[NanaFifi]

I would rest it Han1, if you carry on hobbling around you will put pressure on other joints and that’s a recipe for disaster! I have an ulcer on the ball of my left foot just now and hobbling around has given me a really sore right hip and thigh muscles and has led to me putting my back out 😳🙈 Hope your flare settles soon xx

[Hidden]

Rest during flare EXCEPT for none weight bearing exercise eg swimming gently. Consider compression when walking eg pro-sport from Scholl (?)