Ankle and lower leg pain?

[Booboos171]

Hi all, I am trying to determine whether the pain I am experiencing is likely to be related to PMR or something totally different. I have had PMR for almost 2 years and have just reduced to 7.5mg of pred. Over the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing pain on the outside of my ankles going up my lower legs, the reason I wonder if it's PMR is because it's bilateral (it's more of a dull ache than a sharp pain). I have been walking more than usual, I lost my dear Mum who I cared for at Christmas and find getting out and walking helps me with the grieving process.

I'd be grateful to hear if anyone else has experienced this, and whether you think it could be a flare, before I increase the pred dose.

Many thanks 😊

[123-go]

It doesn't sound PMR related. It may be due to walking more than usual and perhaps longer distances. Have you considered it may be the type of footwear? I'm so sorry that you've lost your Mum. You must be missing her dreadfully.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, what a difficult loss, I’m sorry. When I got under 10mg I started to develop Achilles and foot problems. In the end I went to a podiatrist because it became debilitating. The pain on the outside of my ankles was due to Peroneal tendinitis. I was found to have hip and ankle weakness so was given specific exercises, one of them being a resistance band for side ways movements of my feet which really helped that ankle pain. What footwear are you using? Have you put on many Pred Pounds? Weight is an important factor. healthline.com/health/later...

[Booboos171 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you 123-Go and SnazzyD for your speedy replies and kind words, it has been really tough as my Mum lived with me and the huge loss is everywhere and in everything. I suspected it could be something like a problem with my achilles, but because it was both sides it made me think it could be PMR. I haven't put on a huge amount of weight, perhaps a couple of pounds in 2 years. I wear Merrell walking shoes but they are about 6 years old so perhaps time to update them! Also, I will look at visiting a podiatrist or physio. Really helpful, thank you both and enjoy your Easter break x x x

[SnazzyD in reply to Booboos171]

It may have been my physio but I found them totally useless for my feet and Achilles problems which I had on both sides by the way. The basic Achilles stretch exercises were pointless because other issues had to be corrected first. Once they were sorted it fell into place. The podiatrist looked at the feet in detail but also took a holistic view that meant my weak hips were spotted. I had no idea until she told me to do certain movements there was a problem. Incidentally I only had GCA and not PMR.

[123-go in reply to Booboos171]

Hi. On reflection and reading Snazzy's reply, a visit to the podiatrist would be a good idea. I would go as far as saying an X-ray may be helpful in showing up any complications. This is a horrible time for you having to deal with the pain of losing your Mum together with your physical pain. Take good care of yourself and do let us know how things go. 💐

[Booboos171 in reply to 123-go]

Thank you, I am going to book an appointment. I do have an appointment with my GP this week anyway for bloods and a review so will also mention it to her.I'm so grateful to be part of this wonderful group, I don't know what I'd do without the advice and support of the people on here! I tend to blame everything on PMR 🙂

[SheffieldJane]

I am so sorry that you lost your dear mum. I agree about walking helping the grieving process. Our muscles do weaken with these diseases and the drugs, and they protest quite quickly. I bought myself some biker boots that give me good ankle support and mild street cred. 🙂

[Booboos171]

Thank you both, I will look into finding a local podiatrist and hopefully that will sort it. Looking it up on Google didn't help as they mention this type of pain can be a sign of other autoimmune diseases and that's just scary! X

[pomeranion]

I have started experiencing the same ankle pain and swelling. I see a new rheumatologist next week and will address this at that time. My sister is just recovering from tendon surgery. She has had PMR in the last two years. Her Dr. believes the pred. hid her injury.She never felt any pain when it occurred. Diagnosed after off the pred. She is still experiencing symptoms of PMR. But in denial because of her fear of pred. Drs. testing for other things. Anyway, back to ankle swelling and pain. I have experienced relief with ace bandage wrapping and elevating leg above heart when possible. Walking OK so far. I don't do as much as I would like. So limited with this PMR. I'm also still on 15mls. prednisoline

because of malabsorption problems after gastric bypass surgery 40 yrs. ago. I have finally got some relief after about 2-3 months of other varied doses of regular pred. I'm so thankful to be able to somewhat raise my arms, comb my hair and take a somewhat normal shower.

Both my shoulders are fractured so this contributes to my limited range of motion. Looking forward to improving the stiffness and other rheumatoid symptoms. Diagnosed with RA in 2019. So complicated!! I don't know where I would be without this forum and all of you. Keep up the good work.

[Booboos171 in reply to pomeranion]

Oh my goodness Pomeranian! Poor you, it really sounds like you've been through the mill. I do hope the new rheumy can help. I will try the cold bandage tip, thank you. Besf wishes x x x

[pomeranion]

I hope I could be of help. I have received so much here. Thank you for your message of concern. May God bless all of you. Happy Easter.