ankle arthrocentesis | Arthritis Information

 

Anytime I have a flare there is always that one joint that gets it the worst.  It's usually been my hip joints but since they have both been replaced since my last flare they're safe for the most part (aside from the tendon inflammation that can still happen)  This time around my left ankle is getting hit pretty hard.  My question is has anyone here ever had to have their ankle drained to relieve swelling?  I've had my knee done about three times in the past and it wasn't so bad but the ankle area just sounds downright painful.

Hi Bob and welcome - Bob, I have one ankle that's always been a problem.  In fact, it was the first of my joints to show inflammation and have pain and it's been doing this for about 15 years.  I've never had it drained and probably because it never was bad enough to go that route.  It would swell and be painful but not enough fluid buildup to drain.  What meds are you on?  It might be time for some adjustments to them.  LindyWell, right now I'm only taking celebrex 200mg and prednisone 40mg daily.  I'm also supposed to be taking humira and methotrexate but my RD has had me holding both for quite some time now.  It would take more space and be longer that anyone would care to read for me to explain why.  In short, I took one dose of humira, woke up feeling sick, went to pcp and had a high WBC count and was admitted to the hospital.  One month later and I'm still not taking a thing to actually help with the RA because I can't seem to convince any of my docs that the high white count is actually from the RA.  I've seen a hematologist about this and he agrees with me as ALL tests for leukemia or other blood disorders are negative.   I'm on my second RD in 4 years and it looks as if I may be moving on yet again.  I wish I could find one that cares, or just any doc that cares for that matter, but won't hold my breath.
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