Heel and ankle pain
Hi everyone!
I was just diagnosed in 2022 after years of what I thought was joint & bone pain ankles, wrist , hips, back, shoulders, and groin.ect...ect... One of the most painful issues right now (All are DREADFUL) is stepping out of the bed to find that you can not put any pressure on your heel or ankle. This has been happening to me for years bilateral but never at the same time. In 2018 I was even placed in a cast for a "sprained ankle" although I told the doctors that I'd never injured my ankle nor foot. Since my confirmed diagnosis last year I've brought this up to my Rheumatologist several times and she states that it isn't
" A real known AS symptom " It's one of mine!!!! It hurts like crazy and I'm hopping!!!
I'm going to get a cane for assistance, anyone one else dealing/ dealt with this? Any suggestions???
Hi
- Diagnosed in 2017, I've dealt with foot and ankle pain for years and still find walking difficult. I have issues with a total ankle replacement, and both feet have severe arthritis and pain in the Achilles tendon due to enthesitis. I believe this is a significant issue with AS/AxSpA, and as written on Spondylitis.org, "Enthesitis– Inflammation of the entheses, which is where ligaments or tendons attach to the bone. Symptoms include swelling and tenderness. Common areas impacted include the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, the plantar fascia at the base of the heel, the rib cage, and the spine." https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/overview-of-spondyloarthritis/non-radiographic-axial-spondyloarthritis-nr-axspa/symptoms/ I wonder if getting a second opinion with a new rheumy would be warranted. Sounds like she is misinformed. Hoping you get some relief - I use ice and since being put on my JAK inhibitor, the enthesitis has eased quite a bit where I find walking easier but still use my cane, especially in the morning upon rising. Wishing you better health and proper answers as you go about the AS/AxSpA journey. Warmly ~ Rebecca (community moderator) Thank you - I am doing well today. Hope you are feeling a little better than in the recent past with this disease. The RICE method is an excellent way to soothe the pain and irritation of the feet and Achilles tendons, with mostly rest being the best part of it. Sounds like you are on a good regimen for treatment. How do you find the Cosentyx working? I found most of the anti-TNFs give me a minimal response, trying 4 different ones with little help. Once I tried the JAKs I started seeing improvement in my severe enthesitis by about 80%. I sure hope that you can get to an agreement with your current rheumy about foot pain and spondylitis, or find someone who has more experience with signs and symptoms of AS/AxSpA. Wishing you the best. Rebecca 
, good to know that you're feeling well today. I'm coming along walking as much as I need to not as much as I can, I'm listening to my body. As far as Cosentyx I'm having a far better response than I did with Humira. I hope it works for quite some time I don't want to constantly switch, although I'll always do what's best for myself. Continue to be safe and well-
Neeta💐
, Thank you so very much. I hope all is well. 
Here is the first of two articles written about heel / foot pain and AS. Perhaps it will be helpful
https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/living/enthesitis-heel-pain
