What happened to my ankle??
Hello everyone,
I am needing some feedback/info on an issue that gained my attention very quickly. I was Dx with PsA a few years ago and besides a nasty bout of uveitis, have managed it well on the Humira. Last year I tested positive for the HLA-B27 antigen and had no issues till Wednesday night of this week. Without warning, my right ankle began throbbing and swelling. The pain got so bad that it felt like it was being hit with a hammer. Today my ankle is still swollen and I can barely walk on it. The initial pain and swelling were just below my ankle bone, but now the swelling is much worse and the pain is pretty bad. I Googled the systems and found a photo showing AS of the ankle with the red area of pain and swelling in the exact area mine is. Does this sound like AS? Haven’t been back to my rheumatologist yet.
Thanks for your help!
I have also read in another group that several group members described AS of the ankle striking suddenly, requiring them to have to keep walking aids handy when not at home. 
- I have this issue. Although it may be related to a total ankle implant, osteoarthritis, and SpA - it comes on quite suddenly. I rest it and/or I reach for my cane to be mobile. Have you got assistive devices handy? Rebecca (team member)
Hello
- I implore you to see a physician urgently. Something that comes on as quickly as you state is a pressing matter. Even if you cannot see your rheumatologist, head to urgent care or the ER. This pain and swelling, with a worsening state, may possibly be AS/PsA and needs treatment. Or it could be a different issue that should be addressed immediately. There are many reasons your ankle would swell like that. It's important to get a physician to look at the area, do some tests, and assess you fully. Sending you thoughts of relief. Rebecca (team member) I ended up in the ER late that night and the doctor said it was probably gout. One problem with that is, he based his diagnosis on a high uric acid level. My uric acid levels are always high but the last gout attack was many years ago and it was in my big toe. The other problem is that my Achilles heel was also very painful, which is a good sign of AS. And I had just endured a very stressful week at home and work. So I’m wondering if the stress triggered a flare. I’m waiting to get in to see my rheumatologist so I can get a second opinion. Thanks for commenting! So glad you went to seek medical attention. You never know what could be causing symptoms such as yours. Gout is one diagnosis that may be known as a comorbidity. I hope you've gotten some relief, even if just a little. Here's a link to more information https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/comorbidities and another connected with a study on SpA and Gout. https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/news/gout-may-be-more-common-in-patient-population-with-ankylosing-spondylitis-than-general-population/
So sorry to hear you had a rough week. Stress is a well-known trigger to induce flares for chronic illness/es. As you well know, Achilles tendonitis is associated with spondyloarthritis and can be quite painful. I hope you find relief. Rest up; hopefully the swelling and pain will end and you'll be up and moving around again. Wishing you the best of health. Rebecca (team member)
