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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Painful ligaments

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Phalaborwa, ZA

I have constant pain in both my ankles. It is excruciating and taking over my life. According to the Fisio it is my ligaments and am I not supposed to exercise them. I wear ankle braces, uses ointment. I don't know what to do. I have been a dismissed by my Rheumatologist 6 months ago when I mentioned it. Any advice please?

June 28
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A myRAteam Member

I would suggest you ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a bone and joint specialist. They are usually associated with orthopedic and sports medicine. My old rheumatologist did the same thing to me, so my primary doctor referred me to a specialist affiliated with the same network as my primary care physician.
This specialist found inflammation in the tendons in my feet and ankles ( plantars fasciitis) and it is treatable. There are stretches you can do, and occasionally I get a shot in my back side of Toradol.
Theres is also a specific brace to wear, only at night, which stretches the tendons while you are at rest while you’re most relaxed.
Talk to your primary care doctor. They usually listen better than the rheumatologist ( unless you’re lucky enough to have a good rheumatologist)
I hope this is helpful ☺️

June 28
A myRAteam Member

I agree, I would get a referral to either an orthopedic or podiatrist. Rheumatologist can do a lot of things, but sometimes you need to go right to the specialist for certain problems.

June 28
A myRAteam Member

So sorry for what you are dealing. My RA doctor said my torn ligament is not that typical of RA. But since torn , one of my wrist bone is not where it is suppose to be or supported. It is probably eroding and gives me problems. Sounds like good advice of support and possibly get another DR. advise. Again sorry but important to do what can. Hope you get help and relief soon. love,eli

June 28
myRAteam

Dealing with excruciating ankle pain that's taking over your life — and feeling dismissed on top of that — is truly exhausting. You deserve to be heard and to get proper support for this.

First and most importantly: if your rheumatologist dismissed your ankle pain concerns 6 months ago, it may be time to bring it up again Show Full Answer

Dealing with excruciating ankle pain that's taking over your life — and feeling dismissed on top of that — is truly exhausting. You deserve to be heard and to get proper support for this.

First and most importantly: if your rheumatologist dismissed your ankle pain concerns 6 months ago, it may be time to bring it up again firmly, or consider seeking a second opinion. Ankle and ligament pain is a real and recognized part of RA, and it should not be ignored. Beyond what you're already doing with braces and ointment, here are some other options worth discussing with your care team:

- Ice therapy — Icing ankles for up to 20 minutes, a few times a day, can help reduce pain. A myRAteam member shared that rolling their feet on a frozen water bottle for 10–15 minutes brought real relief
- Custom orthotics — These shoe inserts can significantly improve ankle function and are gentler than off-the-shelf versions. One myRAteam member called them "worth every penny"
- RA-friendly footwear — Supportive shoes with adjustable straps can make a big difference in daily comfort
- Podiatrist or occupational therapist referral — If ankle pain is affecting your ability to walk or do daily tasks, these specialists can offer targeted help
- Medication review — NSAIDs, biologics, or DMARDs that help joint pain may also help ligament-related pain in RA Regarding exercise — your physio's guidance to rest the ligaments makes sense during a painful period. It's generally recommended to hold off on exercising through significant pain and to return gradually once the worst subsides.

Please don't give up on getting proper care for this. Persistent ankle pain deserves a proper treatment plan, not dismissal.

June 28
A myRAteam Member

For a while every tendon and ligament in my body hurt. Iwas told it was inflammation. All I could do was rest, eat well, and keep trying. I was so glad when it improved.

June 28

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