Any connection between long COVID and tendinitis?
Has anyone else had problems with their tendons after COVID? Background - I've had lots of weird symptoms since I had COVID and the boosters. Here's one I'm wondering about. I have had severe tendinitis for the past year in the peroneal tendons of both feet (those are the tendons on the side of your feet). COVID didn't cause it - this was due to me having extra bones in both feet (os peroneum) and not knowing it and doing excessive walking (miles). However - it's been a full year and I can't get rid of the tendinitis, even after surgery in one foot, lots of PT and now shockwave therapy, which WOW is very painful. I have great doctors from Hopkins. The surgeon suggests I may have developed neuropathy from the ongoing tendonitis. Now this is interesting because one of my weird long-COVID symptoms since 2023 has been nerve issues - intermittent burning, tingling, feeling like I am being electrocuted. I was worked up for fibromyalgia and small fiber polyneuropathy in 2023 and didn't meet the criteria fully for either, but was told my long-COVID is behaving like those two diagnoses. So - has anyone else experienced this?
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I can relate. I was diagnosed with post covid syndrome due to smell/taste disorder, for which some has recovered in 2023. I’ve had other symptoms, but am not sure if related, but I have had the pain you describe on my right ankle. It’s intermittent and at times severe! I’ve seen my GP twice and an orthopedist who took x-rays. X-rays look good, so they don’t know the reason for the pain. It’s bizarre. It’s not an electric shock feeling. It doesn’t hurt more with weight bearing. It feels similar to a sprain, (bouts of pain and sore to the touch under the skin) though there is no swelling and it suffered no trauma. Trying to figure this out. I am glad the pain is decreasing. I did have a flare yesterday. My GP says he’ll help me with taping, if it continues to hurt. Also, Neurologist says no neuropathy in my feet, though I have paraesthesia, (Long story)
I also have similar pain in my right shoulder and clavicle. Though the pain isn’t as severe as ankle. I’ve been too busy to get it checked out, but I think it’s like my ankle. Oh, x-rays of ankle don’t show arthritis. Don’t think fibro.
Yes! Mine presents as enthesis in my Achilles and elbows. I also have knee pain. I have been working with rheumatologists and foot and ankle specialists, been on so many drugs with NO improvement. They have me diagnosed somewhere between psoriatic arthritis and ankelosing spondylitis, but none of the very strong meds have done anything to help for over 3 years. My docs are also at Hopkins, GBMC and Union Memorial and no one seems to have a clue! It all started with a virus, fever and headache March 2022. I have not been the same since.
I have had some times when I have numbness in parts of my body, hands, feet. I take Gabapentin and yes, I do believe that it is due to Long COVID. I walk barefoot as much as possible. I know that most people can't do that in stores, work etc., but just outside. I also believe that we can get energy from the earth itself. I recommend watching "Earthing". Some think it is b.s., but I believe it to be true due to my belief we are all connected with everything (people, plants, animals, earth and the Universe.). Some will scoff, and that is ok. I know that it has helped me. I have gone to the beach several times in the last 3 years I have had this and sitting with feet in the sand all day, I felt better, as well as the power and benefits of the ocean.
P.S.
I am so tired of this virus that I am willing to try things outside the box.
It seems as though the way this illness manifests is nearly limitless! That makes it very difficult to diagnose and treat, as well as to comprehend or determine its mode of action. I imagine that many of you are feeling like you are losing your minds, but remember that you are not alone in your circumstances. So tendonitis, yeah, absolutely, amongst a myriad of other symptoms that people report on this forum, for example.
I think you should be open to trying whatever seems to help with your particular constellation of symptoms, even if it's short of a "cure" per se.
My only caution is to be wary of providers pushing possible remedies for which they charge high fees, and for which there is as yet little substantial proof if their effectiveness. I feel like there are a lot of people these days, particularly on social media, Youtube, etc. who are really pushing their approaches in order to make a substantial buck. So it's truly caveat emptor, but do try to find, at least, a PCP who is amenable to helping you try approaches that seem helpful, e.g. prescribing low dose naltrexone for some people, or even something like a stimulant to combat chronic fatigue, as in my case (I consider myself lucky as that's really my only symptom). Some of you might benefit from alternative approaches such as acupuncture, or naturopathy.
You must be proactive for yourself, along with a sympathetic medical practitioner.
What type of doctor should I see? I have an appointment with a rheumatologist. It was made last year right after my initial visit with the rheumatologist. She ruled out autoimmune disorders then. Now, I have new symptoms with the ankle and shoulder pain. Not really sure if she’s who I should see.
Yes, well, here in my city at the university there are two doctors with a certain degree of specialty in LC. One of them is a pulmonalogist, the other a rheumatologist.
I think that makes sense given the variability of symptom presentation we all have, and joint problems or lung problems are pretty typical of LC, along with others, e.g. digestive issues.
Since you sound as though joint problems are your issue, i guess a rheumatologist makes sense. Again, hopefully it's a doctor who is familiar with and understanding of LC, specifically.
Autoimmunity, inflammation, dormant virus re-activiation are just some of the theories behind the mechanism(s) of LC, and it seems that the jury is still out on which one is responible, or, perhaps there are different mechanisms with different people.
Personally, I lean toward the involvement of UFO activity, but that's just my personal take--no NIH-funded studies as yet.
Best of luck!
@sandguy , My neurologist moved away…..so…I’m considering whether to keep the rheumatologist appointment.
Hey, I keep an open mind about potential causes. I am a believer, as I saw 2 things before…..I won’t go into it here.
I have seen a couple rheumatologists for tendon pain in Achilles, knees, elbow and hip. I have been on all the tough drugs and had zero improvement. My frustration is massive. I’ve suffered for 3 years with no help. It looks like psoriatic arthritis, but isn’t. I have no solutions, but if you find some please share!
I will, but I’m not sure if I’ll keep the appointment. I’m still trying to decide.