Unexplained ankle pain

Hey everyone!  I'm new to this topic, I'm usually on the Crohn's forum.

For the past 2 months I have been having unexplained ankle pain, it's pretty severe and really starting to hinder my daily activites.  The pain is in both ankles, and they are both swollen about double almost triple their normal size.  I first went to my GI because I thought it may be Crohn's related but he didn't think it was.  So then I went to a foot/ankle specialist and he did x-rays and MRIs, neither of them showed anything.  The pain sometimes feels like pulled muscles but other times I feel almost as if my bones are litterally going to break if I continue to walk.  They get worse if I stay off of them for a little bit then start to stand again (if that makes sense?)  I took a 2 week leave from work and in that time the swelling went completely away, as did the pain.  I've been back to work for 2 days and the problems are starting again.  Sitting at my job isn't an option. =/

I'm at a loss of what to do.  My GI gave me some vicodin about a month ago because he didn't want me taking NSAIDs, well those are gone, I see him again on the 16th so I guess I'll have to break down and ask him for more.  I just don't understand what's happening.  The ankle dr offered to give me a cortisone injection, but the thought of getting one didn't sit well with me.  Even after 5 surgeries this year alone, needles scare the heck out of me.  Not only that but I'd actually like to have an explaination of what's wrong before I consider getting one.

A bit of background about me: I'm a 24yr old female. Diagnosed with Crohn's in 2002.  I've been on and off high doses of steriods (100mg) for a couple years, but I've been totally off of them for over a year.  Ankle dr thought steriods might be causing the problem (bone deterioration), but nothing showed on the MRI.  I have an appointment with a rheumatologist but it's not until March.  However, my dr said arthritis would most likely show on the MRI if I had it.

I've been elevating my ankles at night, along with icing them.  I wrap them with bandages before I go into work.

I don't know what else to do, any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!

Melissa

were the mri's done using contrast? sometimes the contrast will show things that plain mri's didn't.
and yeah Rheumatoid arthritis does show on mri's it did for me, my hands cause my bloodwork showed nothing.
ask about getting the mri's redone maybe with contrast, (that is a needle though).
well wishes to you and I hope you can get a low pain day soon...
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Melissa))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
healing hugz and PrAYERS

The MRI was not with contrast.  I'll have to bring that up to the dr.

I stand all day on concrete floors too.  I pushed on my arches, no pain.  It's not my feet that hurt, it's just my ankles.  My dad has plantar fasciitis and every night he rolls frozen water bottles under his feet.

HI MAG
Couldn't believe it when I read your post. Been having the same problem with my left ankle. I'm getting an MRI sometime soon. I've had 1 cortisone injection so far but it didn't provide any relief. Going to have another cortisone injection on Monday. I've had cortisone quite a few times in other joints and it can be a real life saver. Giving you instant relief. I would caution you that cortisone isn't good for you and would only agree to 2 shots although most docs will do up to 3. My legs have been swelling and my left ankle seems to swell more and the foot has also grown a full shoe size in the last year. I have also had plantar fascitis in my heel and ended up having surgery which fixed the problem. Someone did mention getting orthodics which is a go idea especially if your on your feet alot. Just had to reply when I read that you ankle hurts more after resting it and than walking on it again. I drive for 5 mins and when I get out of my truck I can barely walk and than it eases slightly and than starts over again as soon as I sit down again. I'll be watching for any further posts from you. Please post any results you come up with and I will do the same. Anyway I hope you find some relief. Take care

.Stingray

Did your doctors do any blood work?

I have two friends at work who had trouble with their ankles swelling and causing pain. Turns out they both have thyroid problems and that is what is causing the swelling.

Just an idea............

Hope you find some answers and some relief soon!

V