Multiple Tendonitis Sites
Hello all,
I’ve recently been diagnosed with AS having experienced back pain in the SI Joint area for several years (I know this is a relatively fast diagnosis compared to others). I have been given NSAID medication which helps a little with the back and chest but I have several tendonitis/tendonopathies which are still really sore and the NSAID doesn’t help at all.
Please can anyone advise if they have also experience(d) multiple tendon pains? And if so, what treatment or medication helped them? I have tried almost everything else known for tendonitis/tendonopathies.
Mine are both shoulder, golfers elbow, wrist, Achilles and patellar.
Hi beth, thanks for sharing. Hopefully you’re on the right track with the biologics.
Hello John and everyone,
I’ve been on biologics and NSAID’s since March 2021. I found a dramatic improvement to all my aches and pain, and a big improvement in my ability to breath better, move better and reduced fatigue (though I still need a daily afternoon nap). Then about a month ago, all my enthesis points flared dramatically. And I do mean all - from every attachment point in my feet, my knees, hips, burning searing pain right along my spine (which I’d never experienced before so it sent me into panic attack mode), fingers hands, wrists, elbows, neck and jaw.
This was a huge shock as I’d never had such a flare before and I had assumed being on biologics meant flares would never occur again (yeah I’m still new to understanding the power of biologics).
Im still experiencing enthesitis pain. I blame being over enthusiastic with my new found ability to move better. I can’t say if this is true or not, but I’ve pulled back on my daily actives. I’ve had a few massages and this helped reduced the burning along my spine greatly, so I’m assuming there is substantial muscle tightness at play.
In the past I have been told I have various tendinitis or bursitis in various joints. Once diagnosed with AS I was told it was also enthesitis (which I’d never heard of before).
All I can say is that you are not alone. And if anyone out there can explain my sudden enthesitis flare when all seemed to be going well, I’d be very greatful. I’m still able to be use all my day (as to half a day then collapse), and I can still move better and have less pain when I retire at night, so the biologic is still working. I just can’t explain the enthesitis flare nor how to quieter it down again. It hurts. A lot.
Bethand John222,
Thank you both for reaching out and sharing your experiences.
We hope you will both find a bit of comfort in knowing you are not alone.
I thought I'd share this article that discusses enthesitis in greater detail as well as treatment options: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/symptoms/entheses
Sending you both all my best, Doreen (Team Member)
Thanks Nicky, yes a little better and it always helps to have the support of others. Hope you’re doing ok too
Hi @John222,
Anytime. I know how hard it can be sometimes to find the support around. I am doing well. Been dealing with extreme fatigue. But trying to rest in between the day when I am able to and keep pushing trough. One day at a time.
Thank you for asking. Hope today was a better day.
Nicky (Team Member)
Hi Nicky, thanks for your comments. Doing ok thanks. It’s funny because my joints and tendons can sometimes cause more pain than my back. Most of what I had read about AS focused on the back so I wanted to know if others had tendon issues too.
Hi @John222,
I know from reading a lot on here, many get symptoms more than just the back. AS can hit in many more places. I know for me I can get pains every where. In my joints, tendons... There can be days where it affects my walking with weakness. I am sure many can relate.
Hope today is a better day for you,
Nicky (Team Member)
