Ankle/shin problems?

[Diamental]

Hey there!

So I'm quite new to the forums, although I do occasionally read up on some topics so I thought I'd start with an introduction.
I'm Richard, nice to meet you . I've had type 1 diabetes for 6 years and been on an insulin pump for 3 of them. At the start my overall levels weren't that great, and I guess you could argue that they still aren't, but they are better.

About 8 months ago I started getting some pain in my left ankle/shin when I exercised so I laid off it a little and saw a doctor. The GP said something on the lines of "I don't know what it is so I can't help", great huh? So I ignored it, stopped exercising altogether and it got better.

In March I was in a car accident with my mum, LUCKILY no serious injuries were taken but the car was written off. At the time it seemed nothing had been injured and we got off really lucky but then the pain in my ankle/shin came back, getting worse and worse whenever I'd walk, it even got to the point where I'd wake up and there would be pain already. So I went and saw a different GP, actually to this date I've seen 5 different doctors about it... The first said its possibly a trapped nerve in my back, which at the time I thought great finally an answer, he gave me some nerve painkillers and put me on my way. I waited a week to see if it helped but nothing, I then saw another GP which he suggested something to do with my bones, and gave me some co-codamol (8/500). They also didn't work. It got to the point where I couldn't even walk around my house without chronic pain.

I've been jobless for the past 7 months so luckily I haven't had to do much walking as such, but even the simple task of walking to the train station then to the job center really puts me in agony. It's now effecting both my right and left legs due to me putting more pressure on my right leg maybe? Anyway, it got to a point where I had to visit the A&E where I had an x-ray just to be sure. It turns out they didn't know what was wrong and my x-ray came out clear. They suggested that it's down to my diabetes, the nerve in my ankle/shin is dying and that's whats causing the pain. So I got prescribed some stronger co-codamols (30/500x2) and nerve pain killers (amitripyline 50). Now I've been taking these meds for just over a week and I still get the chronic pain when I walk and just general pain when I'm sitting around or even sleeping. I have been exercising to the limit I can but I don't think that's doing anything...

So my question here is what is going on? Has anyone else had similar pain like this, and what did you do if so? It's gotten to the point where I just don't want to leave my house, and not move much when I'm in. It's also effecting my mood, so much so that I've had to been upped on my anti-depressants...

Thank you for your time on reading this and hopefully you'll reply, even if it's just to say hi!

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi Richard

Sorry to hear of your problems. Have you googled your symptoms at all?

I have had a problem with my left ankle for months and months, not too much pain, but restricted movement in the ankle and also pain and discomfort mainly on the left side of body, shin, knee, hand, fingers, hips, all very sore and tender to touch but painfulleft knee. I have recently had an appointment at a Musculolskeletal unit for a thorough examination and the guy is referring me back to my GP because he thinks its Neurological, and its not Cartilage problems in the knee.

I have been Type 1 for 24 yrs this year and weigh about 56 kilos. It's so frustrating and ann. We know when there's something wrong with our bodies, in the beginning my GP gave me Ibuprofen gel to rub in, but that didn't help at all.

Hope you get a proper diagnosis soon.

Best wishes RRB

 

[pav]

With the xrays all clear, its very frustrating when you can't get an answer from the doctors, been there had the T shirt with a pain problem and after years of asking it turned out to be arthritis and to late to do anything.

If the doctors are confirming that it is nerve damage, amitriptyline is a medication that can help with the pain, its what I take for the nerve damage in my feet.

Have you had a foot examination where they test your feeling with a vibrating machine where they can measure what you can feel and where you can feel it. Could well be worth asking for a foot exam at least it may identify if there is any nerve damage around the feet.

 

[Diamental]

Hey RRB, I'm also sorry to hear about your situation ): but at the same time I'm glad I'm not alone in this. Yeah I have googled it and it's come up with a lot of things, mainly what the doctors have said. I forgot I also got given some ibruprofen gel which didn't work in the slightest. The GP said their referring me to a neurologically specialist but I haven't heard anything since but things like this take time I suppose. Keep well and thank you for the reply!

Hi Pav, there has been no confirmation as such, I think its a case of elimination at the moment, I'm not sure if the amitriptyline is working to be honest, but once again I guess it takes time for my body to get used to it. I had a foot exam when I went to A&E and they said my foot was fine, I still have full sensation in them both, for now . Sorry to hear about the frustration with arthritis, could that possibly be it? And I will ask for one of them vibrating foot machine things, it sounds like it could help thank you!

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi again

I forgot to say that I recently found a possible diagnosis for me :?: its called Equinus and might be of interest to you.

Best wishes RRB

 

[destiny0321]

Hi I had 2 knee replacements and neither worked but after the 2nd one I ended up with drop foot and compartment syndrome in left foot. I am also type 2 diabetic and without dipipanone/cyclizine a controlled drug but early morning I am going mental with my foot I cry and bang my foot but with that tablet I get some sleep. I pity anyone in lots of pain and at the time you think you are the only one but keep smiling because out there.there is someone worse than us. Keep smiling.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[Diamental]

Hey destiny, really sorry to hear you had 2 replacements D: I can't imagine the amount of stress that caused you. I've had an x-ray and the doctors said it was all clear but it was worth a shot! And smiling is the best way through anything, thank you

 

[Frank_Lloyd]

Sorry to hear about your pain. I know I've suffered with bad ankles and shin splits since high school. There are a few things you can do to try to pinpoint what is happening or at least the best way to move forward. I went to physical therapy after badly dislocating my ankle, and the sessions really helped with the instability and constant pain. First thing I would do is test your range of motion. Does it hurt when you rotate your ankle? Do you have full range of motion? If you can do some type of stretching or strength training (can be very light) you'll improve the range of motion, flexibility and lessen the pain.

However if there is shooting pain, it's your body telling you something is wrong and you should consult an orthopedic doctor; it might require surgery. Different ligaments can snap, break or bones as well without you knowing because you have a high tolerance to pain built up over the years. Also when I notice my diet or sugar is off I'll feel more sensitive to inflammation or working out. Try to eat very plan for a few days/weeks (whatever you can do based on schedule and availability). If you start seeing some positive results it means you just need to properly rehabilitate it, eat super clean, and/or get surgery. After physical therapy, which was years ago, I still get some pins and needles/numbness in my left ankle and foot. Compression has worked well, you might have seen the TV commercials for it http://www.amazon.com/CopperJoint-Compression-Plantar-Fasciitis-Infused/dp/B00YIAG6R4 helps bloodflow, warmth and helps with overall stability. Probably is a mental thing too knowing you are secure and not going to roll it or injure it in any way. Tumeric, Ginger and other anti-inflammatory herbs and spices are worth adding to your diet. If none of this helps I would look at your thyroid, as I know when T4/T3 is low (not just TSH) it can effect your joints and cause depression.