Painful feet, back, thighs

[Antschi]

It is now 1 1/2 years since I was diagnosed with GCA. I started on 60mg prednisolone and have now reduced to 7mg/6mg with the help of Tocilizumab/Actemra injections for one year, now stopped, and methotrexate 10mg per week, which I am still on. I have had one relaps last summer but have been ok since, apart from the usual side- effects. Over the past few days I have experienced a lot of discomfort and pain in my back, legs, and feet. My legs are swollen and the knuckles on the side of my feet are also swollen. Has anyone experienced a similar pain and swelling? I called my GP and was told I could have a telephone consultation on the 30th of August!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What do you mean by knuckles on the side of your feet? Not heard that said about feet before!! How long have you been off Actemra?

Have you seen HappyDiamond's post today - she was given a really good follow-up plant now the Actemra is stopped. Were you not told what to do if you got any symptoms that could be a relapse?

I would ring the practice back and tell them that is NOT acceptable and you need to see someone soon.

[Antschi in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro, thank you for answering my post so quickly. I must apologise for the 'knuckles' I am Austrian and obviously got the wrong description for the small protruding bone by the side of each foot. I was told in a letter from by Rheumatologist that half the people who stopped using Actemra suffer a relapse and to look out for the usual symptoms, like headache, disturbed vision, jaw pain etc. I have neither of these but am experiencing a lot of discomfort in my legs, feet and back. I will call the GP surgery again tomorrow.

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Antschi]

What would have said in German?

PMR symptoms can be a sign of GCA too and they could possibly be due to PMR/

Gruesse aus Suedtirol ...

[Antschi in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro

Gruesse auch aus London. We would have called it a 'Knoechel' but I may be wrong, been in England 60 years now and have forgotten some of the words. It's on the outside of the feet where the foot joins the leg, and on my feet there is s swollen lump just below the bone. I am experiencing a lot of pain that shifts around my legs and back. Is it possible that I have PMR as well as GCA?

Wunderschoenes Suedtirol

[ncfaaeos in reply to Antschi]

I think you are referring to your anklebones.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Antschi]

Yes - ankle bones.

Swelling below the ankle bones I might associate with peroneal tendinitis - I've had it for a lot of the last year, achilles tendinitis in one foot, peroneal in the other. Tendinitis is quite common along with PMR and with pred. And amongst the symptoms of GCA are those of PMR. Often GCA patients only notice/experience them when they get to lower doses of pred because GCA was diagnosed quickly and the pred doses are much higher than you need for PMR.

Where in Austria are you from?

[Antschi in reply to PMRpro]

Vienna / Wien

Thank you for your response I am very grateful