Mildly sprained ankle and tapering

[Donna5658]

Hello,

I injured my ankle yesterday during a 3 mile walk where I was in a hurry and apparently walked too fast. It is somewhat painful to walk on but not excruciating. I am icing and elevating the ankle and am wearing compression garments (which I continuously wear except when in the shower due to lymphedema).

My question is do sick day rules apply to something like this? I am tapering from 9 to 8 via Dorset Lady’s five week slow taper and will be on all 8 next Sunday. Does it make sense to raise the dose a bit for this kind of inflammation or just hope it settles down on its own?

Thanks!

[SnazzyD]

I’m not sure I would bother with a minor injury. The inflammation is normal and localised so unless I was suffering major stress from the pain and immobility I wouldn’t bother. You are doing the right things so if it stays local and doesn’t upset the lymphoedema carry on as normal. Perhaps avoid the reduction as in the grand scheme it is neither here nor there but you avoid any withdrawal confusion. Anyway, that’s my opinion. Is there a concern that you have in particular?

[Donna5658 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks SnazzyD! Great answer and what I had hoped to hear. I was just worried I wouldn’t get the inflammation under control and that the lymphedema would worsen. I think things are heading in the right direction.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Like SnazzyD don’t think SDR are necessary in this instance.

Paracetamol/Tylenol is probably more appropriate for pain, and continue with the measures you are already using.

As you are near end of taper, just stick with that, or if you feel a bit nervous then just repeat the current week - once or even twice.

[Donna5658 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL! This is what I was hoping to hear.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't think minor injuries come under SDRs.

Which bit of your ankle is it? Does the pain point to any particular tendon?

[Donna5658 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro! My husband the retired physical therapist says the pain seems to be in the peroneus brevis. Not directly on the ankle bone, but in the tendon behind it. It’s actually a bit better today do I will continue icing and elevating.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Donna5658]

My problem has been the achilles and peroneal tendons - pred can increase the risk of achilles tendinitis and a rather silly GP gave me a quinolone antibiotic which has the same problem and both together, well you can imagine the result! I was on crutches for months back then and it flares now and again. Then after a flare of it, the peroneal tendon decided to join in!

At least you have someone rather more clued up than the average GP!

[Grammy80]

By the time I get on in the States....you are already surrounded with wisdom!! What a great bunch of gals...💞 I broke my right arm last June '23, had shoulder replacement surgery and never adjusted my pred. BUT, if the need is there, you will know. My best