Neuropathy

[ABwn]

Has anyone on this site had experience of neuropathy in a leg in regard to pain and swelling in the ankle? Any advice would be wonderful.

[welsh12]

I have the pain and vibrations when I walk or stand for a long time

[ABwn in reply to welsh12]

Both ankles feel as though they have tight straps round them even before they swell up.

[welsh12 in reply to ABwn]

Yes there are medications you can take ask gp or rheumatoid

[Tealblue2]

yes I have. In my right leg over the last 4 years. But only when my foot is bad. It is now in my left leg too. I have also got tingling in the soles of both feet and pain/ weak ankles. Have been in a flare for a couple of months now.

I walk with a stick when it’s bad. It was the weakness in my right leg that started the investigations. But they didn’t find the RA for 3 years. But they did find that my right leg was weak. They just didn’t know why. It went away and is back now. But I am in between medication because I couldn’t tolerate it.

I do find compression socks are helping with my ankle weakness- they reduce the pain somewhat. I also rotate my ankles regularly to keep them moving. I plan to go and see a podiatrist- see what that brings about

Sorry not sure if that’s any help

[Tealblue2 in reply to Tealblue2]

Also just thought - when I told the rheumy nurse she suggested it was fibromyalgia. I dispute this as it’s only one leg (sometimes 2) and isn’t wide spread pain. And it only occurs when I’m in a RA flare. And the gp found distinct weakness in the leg.

I also use gel insoles in my shoes which can help the pressure on my feet. As well as a foot spa can help. But I’m limited in which shoes I can now wear.

[JessicaEccles6]

Yes me! In my left leg to start with although now my right leg likes to join in now and again.

Intrestingyl, mine really started when I was prescribed compression stockings. It seemed they somehow redistriubuted the fluid in the leg and it went to the knee. Thats the only explanation I have ever been given.

The pain is mainly down the inside of my knee and has proved pretty intractable. I had topical capiscin ointment from the pain clinic and steroid injections with no effect. The only things that seem to work are nortryptaline and pregablin- and I can only take them at night as they make me too light-headed.

It has severely impacted my mobility- I can only walk short distances with a stick/ crutch and have a mobility scooter for everything else.

The two worse things? my knee needs replacing but the consultant doesn't want to chance it as the blood supply and neuropathy are so bad he is worried the skin wont heal. And my right foot and ankle are so swollen none of my favourite shoes or boots fit any more

[SueB]

I was sent fr a scan for suspected neuropathy some years ago. My results were borderline and radiologist told me to take Vitamin B12. I’ve done that ever since. It

[XGOLF]

I have sensory ganglionopathy affecting both legs from knees down, little actual pain but sensations of hot or cold plus Raynauds . Told it could be a symptom of primary Sjogrens ( I have secondary Sjogrens) but also gluten intolerance just diagnosed , so that is what I'm working on now. I keep walking every day despite pains elsewhere.

Apologies if this doesn't help.

[Samwise91]

I have severe,worsening day and night right sciatic pain coming from lumbar spine - ? collapsing. much swelling in calves now. Can hardly walk for the past couple of months. Was on prednisone pills and infusions last year and again a few months ago. Hoping to have urgent CT and MRI scans shortly. May have to have surgery. Mostly bed bound with carers at present. Good Luck keep us informed.

[AgedCrone]

If you google neuropathy & RA…..You will find lots of interesting info on the subject

I use a foot massaging machine which I do find helpful……but my foot surgeon says although it does me no harm it’s not going to cure it!

[ABwn in reply to AgedCrone]

I keep looking at the foot massaging machine, but like you I've been told they don't do anything. Does your machine reduce the swelling in your ankles? Ever hopeful. 😀

[AgedCrone]

Actually my ankles don’t swell…..my problem is my feet go numb…with pins & needles. .I think the jiggling about gets the circulation going…so the feeling comes back..& it’s less labour intensive than pulling compression socks on & off.

[Gymcactus in reply to AgedCrone]

I have exactly the same, numb feet and pins and needles but no swollen ankles, glad I'm not alone, started in left foot only but now right one is joining in. It has become more bearable now I can wear sandals. Waiting for a consult !!!

[AgedCrone in reply to Gymcactus]

Look up Stocking Neuropathy in feet.llwhich can be caused by a previous injury.Mine is put down to a spinal injury years ago.I spend ages running my foot around when I’m sitting down searching for my slipper….& then look down & I’ve got it on!

[J1707-]

yes I do . I wear compression socks they help with the swelling but pregablin helps with pain.