Ankle problem

[Scarlett]

For several years now my ankle has suddenly given way. After a couple of days rest it fixes itself- for a while, then goes again. I put this down to joint inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis (IBD- auto immune disease).
This summer I haven't been able to walk for 5 weeks. It has been really awful. An MRI came back pretty much normal and I had a steroid injection into the joint 2 weeks ago which doesn't seem to have done much. My foot aches like I have walked miles when I have barely walked at all, and the joint gets suddenly painful. It feels "wrong" and I have to bandage it tightly even to walk short distances with a stick. I can't stand in a queue at all.
I am desperate for any ideas of what I can do as my work starts again soon and I can't afford to miss any more! Help!

[tamborine]

sounds like an achillies weakness? this could help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZVdKm36dhc

[jno]

you might well get an answer from someone's who's suffered from the same thing; but shouldn't you really be going to see your doctor, telling him your condition hasn't changed, and asking for further investigation?

[Sqad]

MRI normal....so that rules out a degenerative arthritic disorder.

Ulcerative colitis is associated with joint problems, but it doe sound like gout.

Go and ask your GP for some blood tests and in the meantime, Ibuprofen 600mgms three times a day should be tried.

[jno]

does gout make your foot ache? It's more usually stabbing pain.

[Sqad]

jno...not necessarily.....can make the ankle swollen and persistent pain on walking and flexing the ankle joint.

[Scarlett]

Thanks for your answers! I don't think it's gout as there is no redness, swelling or heat. I have seen my Doctor as well as a foot and ankle specialist. My blood test showed raised ESR, but it always does with the colitis. Also I can't take ibuprofen cos of my colitis! It's like a vicious circle. I have been given some PLAQUENIL but I hate drugs and am hesitant to take them, particularly when I don't know if my ankle joint problem is colitis caused or some kind of mechanical problem like loose cartilege....

[smudge]

Hello Scarlett - even though you've been seen at the hospital, it might be best for you to go back to see your GP, if only to put your mind at rest.

In the meantime, don't take any medication that is recommended on here, however helpfully intended. What's right for them might not be right for you. (I can't take Ibuprofen either as I've had two duodenal ulcers).

Let the doctor decide what is best for you & hope you feel much better soon. -x-