Ankle problems
I'm in my 30's and use to be quite active. Then I literally woke up with severe pain and swelling in my left ankle after my usual run two days before. Then progressed to my right ankle. Now, for the past 15 months- most of the time I can't be on my feet for a long time, can't do any exercise with agrivating my ankles (not even walking in the pool), have to use a walking boot (on the worst ankle on that day). I've gotten use to it and manage to get by well enough, has taken a lot of adjusting. I've had a bunch of other symptoms (back, neck, wrists etc) and have recently been diagnosed with PsA and taking a high dose of NSAIDS, tried a few, which help, but still can't walk properly. I've had MRI, my ankles are mechanically fine, permanent damage hasn't started, but I can't get around. I'm guessing it's the connective tissue inflamation that's the problem, not the joint.
TBH, I just want to know is there any hope for me? I literally can't walk some days. What has helped others with similar mobility issues? What has been your experience?
I’m 35, got diagnosed in Sept. and I couldn’t get from my bed to the bathroom most days. Are you sure it’s your ankles and not your Achilles’ tendons? I had bad planter fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles’ tendons (which felt like it was my ankles that were hurting), my toes felt like someone smashed them with a hammer and I couldn’t straighten my left knee (had to sleep with a pillow under it)
Crocs will be your best friend for use around the house. I put them on before I stand up from bed. Before I even do that though, I get up a bit earlier and just do some stretching of my feet/toes and rotate my ankles as best as I can to get movement in. Some days cold was better than heat (so ice them. I got a long neck gel ice pack that wraps around my feet and ankles really well. I do one at a time but you could buy two and do them both) Sometimes I felt I needed heat so a good soak in the tub with Epsom salts.
Runners that have a lot of cushion! I love Asic shoes... currently wearing the medium expensive ones, but basically try a whole wack of them from cheap to expensive because sometimes that price doesn’t make a difference to what feels right for your feet) Make sure your shoes don’t fit too snug... they should have a bit of room in there to move and I keep my laces pretty loose actually.
Use a cane when needed. Just make sure your cane is correct height or you’ll start to develop more issues when walking/leaning imbalanced... I learned that the hard way. Limit your distances until the inflammation has a chance to come down. If you keep pushing it, it won’t get a chance to heal. Remember, all your body weight is resting on your feet/ankles!
Those would be some of my tips. Good luck, it gets better as the meds start working... patients and time!
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
I'm hearing you, struggling from bed to bathroom. It's crap.
I've never had planter fasciitis but it's the peroneal tendons that play up. When its bad it extends to where they connect to the fibula. When my feet are bad, it feels like the entire sole is on fire and weak at the same time, and with the smashed with a hammer toe pain. I've been wearing plantar fasciitis compression sleeves, "OS1st FS6", which have helped heaps.
Love cushioned runners and asics! My podiatrist suggested "oofos" flip flops- they are so cushioned. I think I might give crocs a go too. I'm trying everything ATM.
I'll try stretching/moving my feet, ankles in the morning, I hadn't been doing this. When I have a flare my knees are the same, they lock up. I also do the pillow thing when the SIJ are playing up. I'll try the Epsom salts too.
I can't use a cane because I have bad wrists. I found the walking boot takes 90% of the pain away instantly, lets me go grocery shopping. But hard when both feet are bad.
Thanks for the suggestions. Its so good to hear. It's reassuring to hear someone else has the weird, crappy, unusual symptoms....that you understand. Really appreciate the reply.
All the best 😀Thanks Peace, I’ll also be sure to try out your recommendations too... the compression sleeve sounds particularly interesting 👍 ... and yes, knowing you’re not alone makes such a huge difference, take care!
From my experience really good prescriptive insoles and supportive orthotic shoes or boots are essential. As and when I use pain gels and wear support socks too. I've tried toe corrective supports but found them too uncomfortable. I would really recommend a long length body pillow and a memory foam mattress topper for more comfortable sleep
After 18 years of PsA activity (first affected joint was my toe -aged 17) in ankles and feet I have some deformity of my feet - hammer toes, bunions and calluses but I still keep as active as I can. Thanks to disease and joint damage progression being limited by Humira (10 years now) I think things are better than they could be. I'm a keen gardener, I keep up with my young children (mostly!) and I'm able to walk miles on good days. I've never been a runner and couldn't now anyway but I'm quite interested in trying out those controversial running shoes because they look like they could be super comfy! I can't walk barefoot really at all anymore but have adapted by getting shower/ swimming shoes - my crocs are a God send!
