Ideas to help ankle pain

traluvie

Morning all...
How are we this morning?//
Was wondering if anyone had any tips in helping with ankle pain???
I'm finding the pain a pain lol.. although took me tabs i can still feel it.. normally if it somewhere else in my body i can put support on or hot water bottle...
Any ideas would be grateful
Thanks
Tracy
xxxx

skezier

Hi Tracy,

Sorry your getting a lot of pain just now. I hope the tablets will be a bit more effective for you soon, but maybe you need either stronger or different ones? that's something that might be worth running past your gp.

Unfortunately no tablets stop the pain completely in the later stages. The best you get is a manageable level...... or not I think I am the not just now

I get ankle troubleel sometimes and I find both strappingng it up or and ankle supportrt does help. For me heat also does a good job as well as the gel's externally.

I do hope that it will back off for you. Cris x

traluvie

Hi Chris..

Think i looking for a wonder cure lol..
It is a horrible pain..
Currently on tramadol and diclofenac and had steroid injection dec...
am due to see gp tues so am going to mention it to her..
Is that gel like a deep heat ???

xxxx

dreamdaisy

When my ankles first began to bother me I wore an ankle support. (The right one came first, then a few months later the left joined in, because it could). That did help with walking and used to ease the pain slightly. I also had my right ankle drained and steroided, this was in the pre-humira days. Can you rest your ankle on a bottle? I never found heat helpful, I used to rest mine on a bag of 'knee peas'!

I do take the view that 'pain killers' is an absolute mis-nomer for those with chronic pain (like us). They are 'pain dullers', no more, no less. They take the edge off, hopefully enough so that we can carry on. Your tolerance levels will increase as you adjust to this, well, I hope they do. I have nearly completed 14 years of this rubbish, and although I have a lovely arsenal of pain relief at my disposal none of it, absolutely NONE, banishes the pain, even for a brief while. The strongest stuff takes me away from it, the weak and moderate take the edge off. That is all it can do and indeed is all it does. DD

skezier

Hi Tracy,

I use the ibrufin gel ( I don't think the spell check will pick that one up ) but yep deep heat any of the strong ones help my back to some degree....

Hey i stuck one of those heat pad things on the lumber and it definitely did help! I don't know if you could utilize one for over night? I guess its not practical for daytime? Actually it might be....

The may do an ankle one as well flower I have only looked at the big ones. The ones that go on the skin are more effective than the ones that don't though.

Maybe an add in from the gp would help?

Flower when its on a burn its relentless and the pain drives you up the wall and across the ceiling :roll: In my case on perpetual whiz round just now

Hey if you fond the miracle cure.... please.... please let me have a bit

Go careful, rest it if you can and I do hope it backs off for you soon. ((( ))) Cris x

traluvie

dreamdaisy wrote:

When my ankles first began to bother me I wore an ankle support. (The right one came first, then a few months later the left joined in, because it could). That did help with walking and used to ease the pain slightly. I also had my right ankle drained and steroided, this was in the pre-humira days. Can you rest your ankle on a bottle? I never found heat helpful, I used to rest mine on a bag of 'knee peas'!

I do take the view that 'pain killers' is an absolute mis-nomer for those with chronic pain (like us). They are 'pain dullers', no more, no less. They take the edge off, hopefully enough so that we can carry on. Your tolerance levels will increase as you adjust to this, well, I hope they do. I have nearly completed 14 years of this rubbish, and although I have a lovely arsenal of pain relief at my disposal none of it, absolutely NONE, banishes the pain, even for a brief while. The strongest stuff takes me away from it, the weak and moderate take the edge off. That is all it can do and indeed is all it does. DD

Your right DD, having suffered from a young age with chronic pain due to endometriosis i too have found that no painkiller never takes it away completely just takes the edge off.. not gd enough though lol... My tolerance level ca be quite high.. but recently i have noticed the pain more consistant and sharper..
I just need to get used to it i seppose lol..
I s there a painkiller you take that works better than others???
xxxxx

traluvie

skezier wrote:

Hi Tracy,

I use the ibrufin gel ( I don't think the spell check will pick that one up ) but yep deep heat any of the strong ones help my back to some degree....

Hey i stuck one of those heat pad things on the lumber and it definitely did help! I don't know if you could utilize one for over night? I guess its not practical for daytime? Actually it might be....

The may do an ankle one as well flower I have only looked at the big ones. The ones that go on the skin are more effective than the ones that don't though.

Maybe an add in from the gp would help?

Flower when its on a burn its relentless and the pain drives you up the wall and across the ceiling :roll: In my case on perpetual whiz round just now

Hey if you fond the miracle cure.... please.... please let me have a bit

Go careful, rest it if you can and I do hope it backs off for you soon. ((( ))) Cris x

Thanks Chris..

I am off to chemist later(that should be fun) to get my tablets so will get some gel and an ankle support as DD suggested.. worth trying other things i haven't..

Thanks
xxxxx

skezier

Hi Tracy,

Here they do both the gel's and the supports in the pound shop so it might be worth you look in the equivalent there if you have one?

Good luck flower and again i hope it backs off. Cris xx

traluvie

skezier wrote:

Hi Tracy,

Here they do both the gel's and the supports in the pound shop so it might be worth you look in the equivalent there if you have one?

Good luck flower and again i hope it backs off. Cris xx

Yeah i have seen the supports in the pound shop.. not sure i got energy for town today lol.. not got energy for chemist either i don't think lol... but chemist closer.. on the bus off 5 min walk chemist then back on the bus lol...
Will def get some gel today though... hopefully get some comfort from that..

Thanks again..xx

dreamdaisy

I think that the arthritis pain will be different to the endo pain, it's a different beast of a problem altogether! What works the best for me? I guess the slow-release trammies (100mg) with co-co top ups as required. I save that combo for the really rubbish days as I don't want to lose that effectiveness too quickly. As well as growing used to the pain, the body can, I think, also grow 'used' to the dullers and in time happily over-ride them. I don't know if there is any clinical evidence for that, it's just a nagging suspicion at the back of my mind. DD

traluvie

dreamdaisy wrote:

I think that the arthritis pain will be different to the endo pain, it's a different beast of a problem altogether! What works the best for me? I guess the slow-release trammies (100mg) with co-co top ups as required. I save that combo for the really rubbish days as I don't want to lose that effectiveness too quickly. As well as growing used to the pain, the body can, I think, also grow 'used' to the dullers and in time happily over-ride them. I don't know if there is any clinical evidence for that, it's just a nagging suspicion at the back of my mind. DD

Your right.. endo pain is totally different... i would rather have endo pain than these pains i experiencing lol..
Will mention to doc next wk..
Thanks again..xx

Airwave!

Ankles? I used to use a TENS machine which was successful, got past that now, only way to stop the bolt of electric pain now is to stop walking and rest a few seconds until it happens again, my language is more colourful these days!

Mind you, changing shoes does seem to make it kick off sometimes, but not always.

8) Its a grin, honest!

traluvie

Airwave! wrote:

Ankles? I used to use a TENS machine which was successful, got past that now, only way to stop the bolt of electric pain now is to stop walking and rest a few seconds until it happens again, my language is more colourful these days!

Mind you, changing shoes does seem to make it kick off sometimes, but not always.

8) Its a grin, honest!

So recommend electrocution lol
I have been wearing them stupid ugg boots.. which are great for comfort and swelling but totally useless when supporting my feet so i need to find an inbetween ... :roll: :roll:
Yes my language is alot more colourful too, have to be careful i don't slip up with the kids about....
Take care
Tracy
xxxxx

tjt6768

I can confirm that you can get used ti the pain dulling tablets, after many years on dihydrocodiene I was having to take them six to eight at a time just to get twenty minutes of slight relief.. When I first started taking them one tablet knocked me out fire two days, lol..
My new gp nearly flipped when I told her how many I was taking...

Off them now like as they stopped working altogether..

Good luck..

traluvie

tjt6768 wrote:

I can confirm that you can get used ti the pain dulling tablets, after many years on dihydrocodiene I was having to take them six to eight at a time just to get twenty minutes of slight relief.. When I first started taking them one tablet knocked me out fire two days, lol..
My new gp nearly flipped when I told her how many I was taking...

Off them now like as they stopped working altogether..

Good luck..

I know that feeling i have just took some extra tabs.. feeling bearable now... it really is an awful pain... how would you describe it??
What you tsking for pain relief now?..

xxxx

puffin

Hi Tracy,

I found pull on, lightweight ankle supports from the chemist (B**t*) a long while ago. They were fine for summer. However I left them off at night. When the nerves in my ankles really burned they were too tight.
Two years ago I spent a lot on an adjustable support, again meant for sports people. One flap goes round the lower leg and fastens with an adjustable buckle and two from under the foot cross over and fasten with Ve*cro. I wear them over socks, (knee length cotton just now) and I must say I have had my money's worth from them.
You can get heel inserts as well as shaped support soles from chemists too.

Ideally you should see a podiatrist. Podiatrists specialise in the muscles and joints of the foot and examines your leg length, your hip profile and the way you walk. They then have soles custom-made for you. You might have tight Achilles heel tendons, a 'rolling out' or 'rolling in' of one foot, tight tendons under the foot or other problems. You should be able to get a referral to one through the hospital.

Can you vary what you wear on your feet during the day? Soft slippers give no support, trainers have rigid soles, pumps can make you curl your toes more to keep them on.
I don't like my toes being confined all day so wear open-toed sandals with a shaped support in the house and often kick them off in the evening to walk barefoot so my toes get a greater stretch.
Puffin

traluvie

Hi Puffin,

Thank you for your reply, it was very helpful...
I have recently brought some ankle supports and have felt better for them.. although i am sure they are stretching.. so will maybe have to invest in some better ones from the chemist..
I normally wear slipper socks in the house, comfy and warm.. and my feet remain flat..
I have spoke to my GP about the pain and discomfort i am experiencing in my ankles.. and explained that i find it difficult to walk when it's bad.. i was just told to start taking my diclofenac again(stopped due to bad stomach has now give me tabs to line my tum now) and see how i go.. see her again in 4 weeks...??/

Hope you are ok.
Take care
Tracy..
xxxx

Starburst

I get bad ankle pain. I was told to put my feet up whenever I can and I do. If you're sitting down, elevate your feet. Also, I was reffered to an orthotist for insoles and they helped a lot, they corrected the position of my ankle. He told me that the best shoes to wear around the house are crocs. I have to say I agree with him 100 percent. I have a furry pair and they were my best investment. I can't wait to come home and put them on! hehe

All the best. x

bobbyger

Tracy,

I know how you feel, The tabs I'm on just seem to take the edge off and no more.
I find a good sturdy pair of boots seem to help me the most although I can see how that might not the the footwear of choice for women.
The worst time for me is when I am out of the boots and my ankle gives way, even the smallest movement feels as if someone is stabbing a red hot knife into my ankle (my language gets a bit colorful at that point too).
Best thing to do is relax and put your feet up whenever possible.
I stopped with the diclofenac as well as they upset my stomach also, plus I was informed by the surgeon they can sometimes contribute to non fusion and I thought the longer they were out my system the better. Plus they didn't relly work anyway.

Best wishes for 4 weeks time.

Rob

suzygirl

Starburst can I ask where you got furry crocs from? I have bad ankle pain. When they get cold, the pain is unbearable and brings tears to my eyes :sad:

I will look into ankle supports, any excuse for a trip to the pound shop!!

Thanks for posting this thread, it has been really useful. I have to say elevating the ankle does really help, it lessens the swelling.
I find trying to get down the stairs in the morning so hard, I must look so daft!

dreamdaisy

Hi suzygirl, I have furry crocs too, a Christmas present from a friend in 2009. Just google Crocs - speicalist stockists have them, the linings are removable so you can wash them. DD

traluvie

Thanks all...

Looks like i have a reason to buy a new pair of shoes..

Furry crocs.... ace.. am gonna look online now..

It's weird how i can be hardly able to walk for a few days and in agony to being able to walk around ???? like it attacks then decides to gpo away for a bit... bizzare???..

Hope you are all as well as can be..

Take care
tRacy..
xxxxx

Starburst

I got my furry crocs from ebay. They were about £25 but they were worth every penny. I think I'd have paid £250 for them!

suzygirl

Thanks, will have a look

RA2010

Hi again Traluvie - we met up in another thread a couple of weeks ago (similar symptoms I think, which seem to continue)! I must say out of all of my symptoms my ankle has been the most consistent and ongoing.

I totally agree with so many of the comments above - crocs are great, and I've got a great pair of boots, and also shoes both with rubber 'wedge' heel that seem to give extra cushioing by being rubber. Crocs with furry lining - I have even bought the imitation version of those at a local market for my boys (don't have the furry ones myself), so that's another option to try out.

I mentioned my ankle at last rheumy visit and he was saying that it's often the last joint to respond to any medication, possibly because it always has so much pressure on it and is used the most. He also said as many above say that when it's painful rest is the best (but as we all know that's easier said than done in day to day life). However he did recommend a steroid injection to try to give some relief. I had that done on Tuesday and definitely not as bad as it sounds. Didn't really feel a thing when it was being done, the only pain was at 3 the following morning when it woke up after the local (burning cramping pain)! That continued for a few hours, but has gradually got better. At the moment it feels possibly slightly better than before the injection, but he did say that could take up to a week to take effect (or may not work at all!) Another one of those things that can help some but not others, but you should possibly ask about it at your next appointment?

Take care!

traluvie

RA2010 wrote:

Hi again Traluvie - we met up in another thread a couple of weeks ago (similar symptoms I think, which seem to continue)! I must say out of all of my symptoms my ankle has been the most consistent and ongoing.

I totally agree with so many of the comments above - crocs are great, and I've got a great pair of boots, and also shoes both with rubber 'wedge' heel that seem to give extra cushioing by being rubber. Crocs with furry lining - I have even bought the imitation version of those at a local market for my boys (don't have the furry ones myself), so that's another option to try out.

I mentioned my ankle at last rheumy visit and he was saying that it's often the last joint to respond to any medication, possibly because it always has so much pressure on it and is used the most. He also said as many above say that when it's painful rest is the best (but as we all know that's easier said than done in day to day life). However he did recommend a steroid injection to try to give some relief. I had that done on Tuesday and definitely not as bad as it sounds. Didn't really feel a thing when it was being done, the only pain was at 3 the following morning when it woke up after the local (burning cramping pain)! That continued for a few hours, but has gradually got better. At the moment it feels possibly slightly better than before the injection, but he did say that could take up to a week to take effect (or may not work at all!) Another one of those things that can help some but not others, but you should possibly ask about it at your next appointment?

Take care!

Hi luvie, nice speaking to you again... i had steroid injection in my bum just before xmas... that has helped alot... i also noticed that my ankles were the last to be attacked... not nice as u have to rely on them to move about....
Hope the injection works vfor you..
Take care
Tracy
xxxxx