Tight skin and ankle swelling

[UCTD]

I have systemic scleroderma (CREST) and am on steroids, Rituximab and plaquenil. One ankle is very tight it’s sometimes difficult to flex the foot up and down,alternating with ankle swelling. The skin feels rough to touch at the back of my ankle and down towards my heel. Does anyone else have the same problem?

[Pink07]

Hi, I was only diagnosed in July. My next appointment is next week. Nothing was explained to me,so I have a long list questions ready!! I definitely suffer with the exact same thing and have done for quite a while now. Horrible isn't it x

[bluedolphin2 in reply to Pink07]

Welcome to the Club. Definitely write some questions down. And if possible record the meeting,as it it's hard to remember everything which is said.🦋🌷

[Pink07 in reply to bluedolphin2]

Thankyou so much. Xx

[Debbiedoughnut]

Hi, Yes I get tight ankles and swelling and also have crest. Both my ankles do this but not necessarily at the same time. It feels like there is a band holding them in.Nothing seems to make any difference and when I tell my doctors they just look at me! The only relief that I have found is plenty of moisturiser on them to keep the skin as supple as possible. I hope that your clear up soon and if I find anything that helps I will let you know. Best wishes.

[Sanmateogirl107]

DID YOUR DOCTOR MENTION (PRAZOSIN 1MG) ASK HIM OR HER. ALSO WILD LETTUCE EXTRACT I USE IT WORKS GREAT FOR PAIN EBAY, MT ROSE HERBS LET ME KNOW IF IT WORKS FOR YOU. LOVE JULIE. (PARAFIN WAX IS GREAT, EPSON SALTS TOO.

[Redwine53]

Yes I have this too ( I was diagnosed two years ago), and have booked an appointment with the rheumatology physio - still waiting four months on. I have mentioned it to my rheumatologist who asked if the skin was hard, which it isn’t as I put on a Vaseline based cream every night. I also do some gentle stretches every day eg when sitting I stretch out my leg and flex my foot ( it sometimes feels like a hot knife is cutting into my ankle) ten times. I also circle my ankles and these gentle stretches certainly help. My rheumatologist impressed upon me that with systematic sclerosis all exercise should start off gentle. After these stretches I can do a down dog (yoga position) quite easily. Good luck.