Advice for ultra sound and visit to the physio with pred related Achilles tendinitis

[Fieldofdreams]

hello again, many of you shared your achilles problems with me a month ago which was really helpful. I began with sore achilles in Dec. Doc said a strain, I knew it wasnt. Specialist nurse said due to pred as many of you confirmed. I am 10 months to the day in with GCA. Got down to 20 mg Pred but now back up to 30 mg. 20 mg methotrexate Temple pain most days still. Achilles cant walk for more than 100 yard without a stick - feel like they are about to rupture if I do any sudden movement. I am still working... needs must. I use KT tape and a full ankle strap on each foot, plus I wear boots with a heal as its impossible to walk flat footed. I also have a heel orthotics (from Boots) in it.

I am not due to see foot and ankle person until 22nd May.. (waited 10 weeks) BUT see physio and have ultra sound tomorrow. As an x dancer I wont let a physio near me without knowing that it will do some good as I know this is not an injury but pred induced. I have also been told that I need to get ultra sound done when I am moving ankle as it does not hurt when at rest - except for being swollen and tender to touch.

Any advice gratefully received. I go alone to my appointments and sometimes dont find the strength to be assertive enough. Quite low at the moment. As a very active person hobbling around in my job is really getting me down.

[SheffieldJane]

I think it is an injury due to weakness of the tendons/muscles which we have as a side effect to Pred. You may even have a predisposition due to your dancing days. Depression also hovers with Pred and Methotrexate. Chronic pain is lowering and having your activities curtailed is exasperating. Patience, and do at least one thing you really like a day. Maybe music would help as you are a dancer. We have to wait this thing out sometimes. Take care!

[Fieldofdreams in reply to SheffieldJane]

thank you SheffieldJ. never had achilles pain before and nuisance they both started. yes, the one thing a day rule is a good reminder! cuddle cats and have a nice coffee helps. thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I spent 9 months with crutches to hand and some of that with a boot - mine was definitely Medrol plus a quinolone. But I just concentrated on being stable on crutches to avoid tripping and it slowly subsided, I don't think I had any physio or anything and if it would have been of great benefit it would have been offered here.

[Pollyanna16]

It may sound silly but I gave advice from 2 physios/Pilates teachers on this & both recommend using a prickly ball on the heel of the foot. I notice if I dont do it for a while the Achilles tightens up again. You can do it sitting or standing & if you have the type of ball you put in your dryer you don’t need to buy a specific one. Mention it today. Good luck. X

[Fieldofdreams in reply to Pollyanna16]

Prickly ball recommended! I have been diagnosed with bi lateral tendonopathy today, probably caused by the steroids as i certainly wasnt over using my Achilles. A bit grim. But lovely physio. using stick so no one knocks into me as he said that a sudden trip or fall could rupture the achilles... I am booked onto my restful yoga holiday on 24th May and he said 'i wouldn't recommend yoga stretching...' ive done it for 40 years and my body needs to excersie so I guess its just the sitting ones for me! and of course gentle pool swimming or sea walking with the sticks! oh GCA how we hate you lol lol

[Pollyanna16 in reply to Fieldofdreams]

I am sure you are right if your body is used to exercise you will want to keep it up. Enjoy your yoga holiday & pack that ball 😉. Where are you going for the yoga break? Sounds lovely & I am sure they will look after you. X

[whitefishbay]

I have had ex tensor tendinitis for probably 3 years now. Rheumy says yes that is what it is (and he said one day it will go away...haha don't think so). The podiatrist says that is not what it is ...probably arthritis and never going away. Gave me orthotics for my trainers and wearing them in my firm Geox really help. Can walk miles wearing them (when I stop I walk like Frankenstein). For me I think this is how it is going to go from now on. I actually feel much better the more I walk (I don't walk fast).

Wish I could help! magic wand....healing hands.....

[Fieldofdreams in reply to whitefishbay]

Thank you so much. If i have to stay like i am now I am not sure how I will cope. I hope ultra sound will reveal something. Goid to hear you have a solution and hope i can follow suit.

[Fieldofdreams in reply to Fieldofdreams]

I have been diagnosed with bi lateral tendonopathy today, probably caused by the steroids as i certainly wasn't over using my Achilles. A bit grim. But lovely physio. using stick so no one knocks into me as he said that a sudden trip or fall could rupture the achilles... I am booked onto my restful yoga holiday on 24th May and he said 'i wouldn't recommend yoga stretching...' ive done it for 40 years and my body needs to excersie so I guess its just the sitting ones for me! and of course gentle pool swimming or sea walking with the sticks! oh GCA how we hate you lol lol

[whitefishbay]

You sound worse than me. That 30 mg of Pred should help. I am sure warm weather helps.

[Fieldofdreams in reply to whitefishbay]

From ultra sound positve tendonopathy on left and right with some vasculitis. Nice ultra sound doctor told me straight away and then went to physio. Absolutely no stretches yet for a couple of weeks and slowly does it. Could take 12 months! As an x dancer I knew there was something amiss...

[Fieldofdreams in reply to whitefishbay]

thank you whitefishbay. i am hoping sunshine and sea will do me the world of good.

[whitefishbay]

St least you now know for sure. Did the dr say what would help?