Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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ankle spasms?

lovebaby8
lovebaby8
Lately I have been having some ankle spasms and they are really intense pain. I was wondering if this was related to RA or if anyone has ever experience this before. It just starts happening I will either be walking or just sitting here and my ankle just starts to spasm and it is this intense pain that is hard to describe it almost brings tears to my eyes. It never lasts for long but it leaves my ankle sore after awhile. It happens several times a day just wondering if anyone has experience this.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am not sure if your definition is the way I took your question. Are they cramps? If so it could be that your potassium levels are low or you are dehydrated. It will be easy to see if that is what it is by making an effort to drink lots of water and eat things high in potassium like bananas or even take a potassium supplement. I hope these spasms pass quickly for you. My best friend had this happening in her thighs and calves and the above is what the doctor told her. Now she rarely experiences the spasms anymore. Hope this helps. Feel better soon. hugs, marcia
deleted_user
deleted_user
I get what the doctors call pain spasms. At first they were not sure if I had MS with the RA. Last night I started to get a flare in my shoulder and with in two hours I had pain spasms down my arm and up my neck! Didn't know which was worse!!

I agree with the above - drink lots of water and check your potassium. I do take potassium pills cuz my levels are low. Also take calcium with magnesium and zink along with a good vitamin D and B.

Hoping your pain and spasms subsides!!

Hugs!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Dehydration and also electrolyte imbalance can case muscle cramps. According to my rheumatologist people with RA get muscle spasms due to joing inflammation. I experience them myself and it has nothing to do with my potassium or calcium being low. I am newly diagnosed with RA and never had them until I had all this swelling in the joints. I tend to think she may be right. I take a muscle relaxer as needed when they get really bad. It never hurts to eat a balanced diet and to take a vitamine supplement.
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
What mssass has said describes my "pain spasms" exactly (except I hadn't thought of it as a spasm, just severe, almost unbearable pain from a flare).
I agree with all the advice given here, too.

Hope you feel better soon,
Gentle hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
That kind of soreness may also be experienced with tendonitis, particularly if it is the achilles tendon. As with everything, it would be good to have it evaluated. Might just resolve with a good dose of NSAID's....but don't take anything without the prescribing doc's approval! Fatigue and pain seem to be constants with RA and there are lots of ways to approach them. Mindfulness work has been helpful to me. Hope you find some relief.