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achilles tendon nodules/toughness

Hi all! I was recently diagnosed with PsA this month. 30 years old, been dealing with mystery joint pain/inflammation issues for the last 2 years. Psoriasis just made its debut on my skin in the last 6 weeks, which led to my diagnosis.

Approx 2 months ago I noticed swelling in my ankles/feet. My Achilles’ tendons developed hard lumps/nodules. Basically the whole tendon is swollen and tough. Icing doesn’t help.

Can anyone else relate? Remedy suggestions? I’ve been doing an elimination diet the last 2 months, been taking omega 3, turmeric, chromium, general vitamin, and NAC supplements (per internal med MD suggestion). I’m generally an active person going to the gym, but sadly put that to the side (aside from occasional yoga) to “rest” the ankles.

I have been on Remicade for Colotis, but they are upping my dose from 7.5 to 10mg every 6 weeks starting at my coming treatment tomorrow. Not sure how long to expect to see improvements?

HELP! Girl just wants her ankles/tendons back! Any advice welcome! Thank you.

  1. Hi nlschumm, I'm sorry to read how much PsA in your ankles has laid you up! It stinks when something out of our control puts a stop to our normal routines. We get it and you are definitely not alone in this. As a general rule, with PsA, it's a good idea to listen to your body and rest when you need to (https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/sleeping-pain/). It's also generally a good idea to exercise regularly, though it's probably going to look different than what you were used to before PsA (https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/exercising-reduce-psa-pain/).

    Here is a little more info on how to keep your joints comfortable while exercising with PsA: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living-with-psa/exercise-comfort/ and some PsA-friendly types of exercises: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/psa-friendly-exercises/.

    Of course, talk to your doctor before changing your routine just to be sure! We'll be interested in hearing what you find that helps you stay active!

    -Martha
    Psoriatic-Arthritis.com Team

    1. Thanks for the feedback, Martha!

      1. Yes, I have had PSA in my ankle/feet and now my knees and one side of my my hip. I use to be very active and sadly this PSA has stopped me dead in my tracks and I also have hypothyroidism (no thyroid) so my weight is crazy.

        1. Hello - I really hope that you are doing a little better by now and maybe the additional dosage of Remicade has helped relieve some of the pain and inflammation in your Achilles. If not, you may want to talk with your doctor about if he/she thinks a cortisone injection or physical therapy might help as well. It seems you are like me in that we never like the answer to "just rest it," but sometimes rest, ice, and a little time seems to be the best medicine.
          Either way, I hope you are doing well and I just wanted to check in with you and see how you were 😀 -Leanne, Community Moderator

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