Calf
Recap: My son has Down's and is autistic as well....he's non verbal. I can tell when he's not feeling well but he can't tell me how, where, etc. I watch for clues.
He recently took my compression knee brace I wore for a torn meniscus years ago and slid it up to his calf....kept sliding down but he continued to pull it up. He had a DVT in the same area about 5 years ago so I immediately took him to the ER for an ultrasound. No DVT found. No fear of another Saddle PE.....the good news.
Next guess. Maybe the pain is due to his PSA. Although, I assumed all pain was in joints....hadn't give his calf a thought. He didn't like my compression socks at all. They are tight. So, I wrapped his leg from above ankle to below his knee which he's insisted wearing everyday since September 1st, now 8 days and counting. It seems to be helping since he's vacuumed a few times since wearing.....a sign he's feeling better....he used to vacuum the entire house everyday until he was struck with PsA.
Do any of you have calf pain? If so, how would you describe it....an ache, a deep ache, stabbing, needles.....can you describe yours? What have you found that helps.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.....any help at all no matter how insignificant.
Hi
, I'm so glad you reached out. I'm sorry to hear that your son is experiencing pain and/or issues with is calf. It's great that you were so proactive getting him to the ER to rule out DVT. Did they have any ideas or suggestions for what might be causing his pain/discomfort? Or any recommendations for follow ups?
While I don't have personal experience with PsA or calf pain, I wanted to share a little bit of information I have found on our site that might be insightful. One of our advocate's posted a question about calf swelling and pain that got a few responses, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/has-anyone-experience-pain-and-swelling-in-there-calves-and-ankles. And this article has information on how PsA can impact tendons and ligaments, https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/psa-symptoms/tendons-ligaments.
Hopefully, in addition to the information I've shared with you here, some of our community members who've also experienced calf discomfort or pain can share with you too!
I do hope that your son continues to feel more himself (and you can get to the bottom of what he's experiencing in his calf)!
-- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Hey
! Always lovely to hear from you. Sorry to read that your son may be in some discomfort with his calf.
I do have pain in my calves which appeared at the same time as my other PsA symptoms. However, I don't actually know if the calf pain is a PsA symptom or not. This calf pain was diagnosed as "neuropathic pain" around four or five years before I finally got the PsA diagnosis. I always forget to ask my rheumatologist about whether this could be related or not. Anyway! The pain I experience feels like a sort of buzzy, aching pain, very deep within my calves. Kind of like someone stuck their fingers into my calves wiggled them around. Because this was causing a lot of pain and I was also experiencing insomnia, I was prescribed a low dose of amitriptyline for this pain. It does help me with both pain and sleep, but we're all different.
Alongside the links from Christine, I did also wanted to share the following article from, where she shares that enthesitis in her elbow causes pain to radiate up and down her arm: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/enthesitis Perhaps something like that could be going on? I think I've mentioned to you before that my sister who I care for is autistic and non-verbal, so I can truly empathise with playing detective to try to work out what's happening! Hopefully you and your son's doctors can get this figured out. It sounds like the wrapping is making a difference at least. Please keep us all posted if you can. Wishing you and your son the very best! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
Thanks for the info. I sent his rheumatologist that I heard about enthesitis here at the forum and asked if this was a possibility. Haven't heard back but she's good at responding so hoping soon.
Harry is still wearing the compression bandage, comes to me for periodic readjustments., you're so welcome. I really hope that you and Harry's rheumatologist can get to the bottom of what's going on. There is actually a physical exam that can be done to check for enthesitis, where the doctor presses on certain points throughout the body. I don't know whether Harry would tolerate that (my sister certainly wouldn't!), and it does require the patient to express whether they feel pain or not, but I wanted to mention it just in case. There's also imaging tests that can be done but again, I know sometimes these aren't feasible. Hopefully the compression bandage is helping to ease the discomfort of whatever it is that's going on. Please do update us as and when you can. Thinking of both you and Harry! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
, I am so sorry he is going through this. As someone who has had psoriatic disease for 61 years. This pain is not easy to explain. I know for me personally my calf pain feels like tenderness in the joints. Just touching them makes me hurt. It's very uncomfortable.
I'm 66 and some days I'm in tears. I know that using a heating pad or even a cold compress makes me feel better. I'm with your son, I can't do the socks either. Hurt way too much. Is he having any swelling at all? I'm happy to hear he is getting some relief at the moment.
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow because of pain all over and I will mention the calf to him. You hang in there and keep talking to his doctor. We are here if you need us. Diane (Team Member)
Thanks, Diane. Appreciate your input.
No, I haven't noticed swelling and I've looked.
You know, he also has myositis and I'm thinking if he doesn't have the enthesitis Cathy mentioned that the pain is from the myositis. I don't know which to pray for....which is easiest on him.
You know, the nicest friends I have I met because of Harry. The best moments I've had happened when he came into my life. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him....Just Wish I Knew What to do Now!!!!!!
You guys are a huge help. Thank you all so so much., As a mom, we would do anything for our children. My youngest son is on dialysis and every day, I just want to take his place. Sending lots of gentle hugs to you and your son. We are here if you need us. Diane (Team Member)
Hi
I have calf pain at times. I find putting heat on it tends to help. I am not sure if your son would allow a heating pad to go on the area. Have you brought this up with the Rheumatologist who sees him for the PsA? If not, you might try that as well as they can give you better options. I hope you are able to find full relief for him soon. Vickie, Team Member
