Stress Fractures in feet.

ELAINE55555

Hi All

I posted on here a couple of months back about stress fractures in my feet. Diagnosis has been a long drawn out process, as I first got the pain away back in April. I was sent to podiatry, got xrays, back to podiatry, then MRI, more Xrays, and finally today saw an orthoepedic consultant, who confirmed I have stress fractures in both heels. They are now healing, and I am not in so much pain, but the biggest shock I got was when he said he thought the Methotrexate was to blame! I think I will phone rheumatology next week and ask to be changed to another DMARD, or will they all do this to the bones? PS I wish there was a spell check on this site lol

Mat48

I'm sorry you have this problem to contend with. It's horrible to be caught between consultants so I hope your rheumy and the surgeon who said this do reach some agreement at least. I think non rheumy doctors are often more down on Methotrexate than the specialists, whose gold standard drug this is. I know one of my GPs blames all my present problems on my 18 months on Methotrexate and I am not sure this is actually very helpful or productive, but it does influence the way I feel about possibly going back on this drug in future I admit.

I have never heard of Methotrexate causing stress fractures anywhere though - a new one for me. Mat x

thistlegirl

Hi, I don't know the specifics but a quick look online doesn't seem to bring it up in the top 10 side effects but that doesn't mean it is not one of the rarer ones. I remember when I was on it I was also on folic acid, which I think of as growing bones in babies, but i think for MTX it is about getting it to work in your body properly, not sure??

Have you ever been sent for a bone density scan, this could check the strength of your bones? Also how is your calcium intake - either through food or a calcium tablet from the GP?

Re the other drugs: the last time I was in to see my consultant I was asked to take part in some research looking at Osteo Porosis and our RA medications. They are seeing a link between people being on medications for Arthritis and developing Osteoporosis later on.
I was basically told that it was very important to have a good calcium intake both with food and tablets- she caught my eye and said always take the calcium tablets! - They taste like sweets so no problem doing that. I have also moved to close to a vegan/Plant based diet recently which my gp had no problem with apart from saying "please keep eating cheese" so I think they mean it- I love cheese anyway so no problem with that
Luckily for me my genetics have given me strong bones, my dad played rugby for 30 years and never broke a bone!

It sounds like your orthopedic consultant was pretty sure the MTX is to blame, I wonder if your rhumy will agree
I hope they will look into this for you, there are lots of options out there and there will be one that works for you not against you.

Keep those bones strong!

Thislte

destiny0321

hi sorry to hear your news i have been on methrotextrate for a few years now only problem now is arthritis getting worse when we go out have to rely on my wheelchair now hope you heal up ok destiny

ELAINE55555

Many thanks for your replies. I presently take adcal, which I believe is to help your bones. I will also increase my cheese intake yum! Do cream cakes count too? I think I will still phone rheumatolgy next week just to see what their opinion is on the matter. I also had a cracked rib 2 months ago, caused merely by taking my granddaughter on a waltzer type ride at the shows. I got squashed in the seat with the pressure and speed when the thing was burling round. Thought I was have a heart attack, but found out later the rib behind my boob was cracked!. Oh well, Im off to the bakers to get some fresh cream cakes!

Catie

Not sure that cream cakes will help Elaine, but I can recommend cheescake - if only to 'lift the spirits' Hope things are sorted for you soon

Catie x

barbara12

Gosh Elaine no wonder it was a shock...did he say this was common...I dont take these meds but there are many on here that do, but suppose it swings and roundabouts ..have you had your VitD levels taken...it helps to absorb calcium..hope the feet are easier today..x

thistlegirl

Yes Elaine, I am on Adcal too, I think it has vitamin D in it too. That is the tablet you want! I would ask about a bone density scan now you mention your other break too. I think this can be done through your GP but not sure.
There is calcium in veggies etc too!! Broccoli-most green veggies, almonds, avacados..also in cream cakes I believe.

Enjoy

Thistle

Mat48

I started taking AdCal a week ago and I think it may be responsible for the improvement in my mood and feeling of increased wellbeing I've had for the past seven days. My feet are still sore and I'm taking Prednisolone (10mg) for another week (start weaning down to 5mg on Monday). The podiatrist will see me again on Wednesday to assess the damage that uncontrolled RA may have done to my feet. Your experience has made me more resolved than ever not to go back onto MTX but to ask for a different drug, hopefully an anti-tnf if I qualify. Thanks for sharing but sorry you've sustained these stress fractures. It will be interesting to read what your rheumy has to say about this. Mat x