Tendon issues

[Wayfair]

I tore my calf muscle over twenty years ago, but I had a bout of very painful tendinitis two years ago, doctor said it would go in a few months, but it lasted for twelve months, it was agony getting out of bed in the mornings. It’s now back again, would have thought taking pred would calm the inflammation. On researching it seems to be connected to the vascular system. Has anyone experienced similar please?

[Soraya_PMR]

Are you referring to the Achilles’ tendon?

[Wayfair in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Yes it’s Achilles tendinitis.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Wayfair]

Have you tried wearing a shoe with a heal? This shortens the Achilles reducing the pull. You should probably also ask for physio, to get the correct exercises to strengthen and stretch without causing damage. But rest as much as you can to avoid further damage in the acute phase.

Have you taken any antibiotics recently? I’m referring to quinolones, the commonest is Ciprofloxacin. These are a No-no with steroids.

[Wayfair in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Thank you for your reply. I have not taken the antibiotics. I don’t wear flat shoes or high heels, as advised last time by physio. Just a small heel for smart occasions. Flip flops a no no. At present I am wearing a cushioned support. I have swelling around my ankle. I do put my feet up and use a cold compress when I can. Very difficult to rise from chairs too as I have osteoarthritis. Hate to moan, and I am a very positive person, but thank you again for taking time out to offer advise.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Wayfair]

I appreciate how difficult it is: my father completely ruptured his Achilles last week, add in his OA and it has made life very difficult.

Take care, unfortunately no quick fix 🙁

[Wayfair in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Thank you for your concern. Just hope I am going to suffer 12 months of this again.

[Hidden in reply to Wayfair]

I presume you meant not going to suffer 12months. I hope so too.

[Wayfair in reply to Hidden]

Oops meant not to suffer another 12 months,

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you have a history of taking quinolone antibiotics? Unfortunately pred alone can trigger achilles tendinitis and in conjuntion with a history of quinolones that is increased. It is one of the reaspns that frequent steroid injections are not recommended for tendinitis of any sort.

You have been advised to avoid trip hazards I assume - that tendon is very delicate at present. I spent 9 months on crutches some years ago - but did avoid anything any worse!