HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Painful Sensitivity Around Ankles When Diagnosed With RA And COPD?

default
Posted on Wed, 10 Jun 2015
Question: i have copd and r a . the skin above my ankles is extremely sensitive and painful to touch. do u have any idea what cause this
?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
? Cellulitis ? Ankle Arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

The sort of symptoms you are describing does give me 2 differential diagnosis:

1. There is a possibility of cellulitis since you are describing the skin over the ankle is tender to touch. Considering your comorbidities( Rheumatoid Arthritis and COPD) and the medications you are on, it is possible that you have got an infection ( bacterial) causing the skin to red and warm on touch

2. The other possibility is ankle arthritis, due to rheumatoid arthritis as the disease might have flared.

The best way you can test for yourself is to check your joint movements. Try to move your ankle in all the directions. If there is no pain, then it is less likely to be ankle arthritis.But if inflammed, you need to consult your rheumatologist. A intra articular will help.
Considering cellulitis as the other cause, you will need broad spectrum antibiotics for a few days

If possible you can get an Ultrasound of the ankle done to get to the exact cause

Hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help out

Regards
Dr Naval
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Painful Sensitivity Around Ankles When Diagnosed With RA And COPD?

Brief Answer: ? Cellulitis ? Ankle Arthritis Detailed Answer: Good evening Thank you for writing on health care magic The sort of symptoms you are describing does give me 2 differential diagnosis: 1. There is a possibility of cellulitis since you are describing the skin over the ankle is tender to touch. Considering your comorbidities( Rheumatoid Arthritis and COPD) and the medications you are on, it is possible that you have got an infection ( bacterial) causing the skin to red and warm on touch 2. The other possibility is ankle arthritis, due to rheumatoid arthritis as the disease might have flared. The best way you can test for yourself is to check your joint movements. Try to move your ankle in all the directions. If there is no pain, then it is less likely to be ankle arthritis.But if inflammed, you need to consult your rheumatologist. A intra articular will help. Considering cellulitis as the other cause, you will need broad spectrum antibiotics for a few days If possible you can get an Ultrasound of the ankle done to get to the exact cause Hope the information was useful Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help out Regards Dr Naval