Lyrica can it just mask inflammation

[Shadow35]

Hi. I'm still waiting for the rhumatologist and for the moment my gp want my to try lyrica to remove the pain. Does it work for inflammatory pain? If i stop feeling the pain but the inflammation is still there can i rupture something by moving to much again? I have achille inflammation, pain in my rib too. They other day i was feeling better and walk too much and now i'm using a cane, anti-inflammatory medication, acetaminophene the max, ice and cold and still in pain. I just don't want to be worse when i'm gonna see the rhumathologist. My gp is not the best, not really reliable.

Thanks

[Runrig01]

Lyrica is a painkiller used for neuropathic pain, so helps things like sciatica. It doesn’t have any anti-inflammatory properties, so won’t mask inflammation. Keeping joints moving is important. Inflammation is a bit like glue, so by keeping the joints moving you’re breaking up the glue, and maintaining function of the joint. Keeping joints stiff, or in splints etc, weakens the surrounding muscles, and makes recovery more difficult. There are some good gentle stretches that are good for Achilles tendonitis, that may help. Once the initial acute inflammation is over, you often find heat is better. It encourages blood supply to the area, which provides the cells with much needed oxygen.

We’ve all been there, having a good day, doing too much then paying the price for it. You need to pace yourself. This flare will settle, and you should be able to manage without your cane. Not sure if you’ve heard of ankylosing spondylitis, it’s another inflammatory arthritis, and often causes Achilles and rib issues, it’s what I have. My sacroiliac joints and ribs are fused. It might be worth looking at.

[Shadow35 in reply to Runrig01]

Hi. I waiting for that exact diagnostic. The rhumathologist gave me diclofenac long action for a few month to wait for the result. I took it everyday with 8 tylenol plus ice and heat and it's not enough. I also have problem with one finger, jaw pain and had problem with back pain and stiffness. I also have test friday to check for inflammatory bowel. I bring a heat pad at school but i need to keep up and walk all day. I'm scare to aggravated it. I already had an operation when i was younger to strech both achille tendon so they are ticker than usual and i'm used to stretching them. The one that is painful is almost double the size. l still try to ride my horse even with my rib pain. I think i'm gonna try to attach them tight for the ride maybe it gonna help me tolerate the pain. So if the pain came from inflammation, lyrica does not gonna help with the pain.....the nsaid really help for the inflammation, i can bend my finger, have less fatigue, and help for the achille pain. I try without the pill for one day and i cry. But i need more. Hope i'm gonna see the rhumathologist soon. I long you had to wait for a diagnosis to see the joint fused? Thanks for the info.

[Runrig01 in reply to Shadow35]

If you’re already under rheumatology give them a call. They could probably see you sooner, and tweak your meds, or give you a steroid injection. Fusion takes years to occur. I was unfortunate that whenever we I seen my gp re back-pain, it was always put down to my job as a trauma nurse. They reckon I had AS for 25yr before I was diagnosed. Gentle movement and stretches are crucial at slowing the progression of AS.

I understand about the fear of aggravating it. I injured my knee 13 weeks ago, every Dr focused on my back, when I tell them my knee buckled causing me to fall. I had an urgent mri ordered a month ago by A&E, but am still waiting on the written report, in order to get treatment. At first I tried to push through, but the pain is so severe at 8/10. I have had to purchase a wheelchair just to get outdoors. I’ve been told my the A£E Dr the images show severe osteoarthritis, but she’s unable to comment on inflammation, and my rheumatologist will discuss the result. Im certain it’s severe tendonitis, as a course of steroids for a chest infection, eased the pain. However they’re finished now and it’s back with a vengeance. I feel a steroid injection would help, but they won’t do till they see the report. It’s so frustrating. Im writhing about in bed at the moment, not knowing where I can put my leg to get comfortable. Hope your rheumatologist can help 🤞🤗

[happytulip]

It works on nerve pain, not inflammation.

[Shadow35]

It's what i was afraid. I ask her if she can just increased the nsaid that really help and instead she prescribed that. When i ask her for a rhumathologist for my finger she denied it and i had to wait many month to see a plastic surgeon, do some ergo for nothing. The last time i saw the plastic surgeon i was so happy that all my finger were swollen to prove my point so he send me to rhumathologist. You can't push them and brush there ego. But i knew. I'm gonna try it for one week or two but i'm afraid it's not gonna help. Maybe it's gonna help for the colonoscopy. I usually don't react to sedation. Hope it's gonna help for that kind of pain. Thank you.

[Sheila_G]

Sorry I can't give you advice but I hope you are feeling better soon.