Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with AS in January 2014 and have been on the NSD/paleo diet now for 5 weeks. I have noticed a significant improvement in my pain and stiffness, especially in the first two weeks. I am really excited to continue this diet and see if it can put me in remission and get me off NSAID's.

The problem is that my ankle has been swollen now for about 6 days and I'm wondering if I accidentally ingested some hidden starch or possibly a "fringe" food. I have been very strict with the NSD and have even gone to more of a paleo route by cutting out milk, nuts and nightshades. The only paleo item I have not stopped eating is eggs which I think I will now stop.

I was wondering if anyone who has had success with the NSD/ Paleo diets have experienced a sudden ankle flaring? I don't read much about people referring to their ankles flaring on this site so that is why I am asking. I am wondering if this swelling will subside once the "flare" passes or will it stick around for awhile?

It seems strange to me how this happened because the main area that I usually flare at is my SI joints and they feel fine. I actually feel really good compared to before starting the diet so that is why I am confused about this sudden flare in a different area (my ankle). I have had a swollen "sausage" toe on the same foot since the diagnoses so maybe it's related.

I am going for a routine blood test today so my rheumy can see where the inflammation markers are compared to my last visit. Before the diet (about 8 weeks ago)my ESR was 30 and my CRP was 42. After about a week on the diet I had a blood test done and the ESR had fallen to 15 and the CRP was 13, quite a big improvement. I'm wondering if this ankle swelling will show up on these markers today.

Has anyone else noticed a sharp decrease in their ESR/CRP after starting the diet?

I have been following this forum for 6 weeks now and I have learned a great deal about AS and all things related. Many thanks to all the great people on this forum for sharing their ideas in order to help others.

Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!