Osteoarthritis in both feet

Christian78

I have been suffering with osteoarthritis in both of my feet for many years in 2012 I had 1st MTP joint fusion internal fixation which has helped reduce the pain in my right foot, in 2014 I started getting pain in mid of my left foot had scan and x-rays but nothing came them and then in 2018 I got to see a foot and ankle specialist and got diagnosed with OA in my left foot collapsed arch and tendon damage and difomaty in my foot, i then had two separate steroid injections into my left foot which helped first injection lasted about 5 months and second injection only lasted 4 weeks of pain relief I have a further two steroid injections last year in April by pain specialist which worked well and lasted 9 months but I have pain back to pre injection level and currently waiting for more injections I am currently managing the pain with Non steroidal anti inflammatory painkillers two types, also have medication for high blood pressure, I find it's best to keep my feet moving and also have breaks as well and having the correct balance helps me through each day as I am only in my early 40s I have look after my feet and keep my feet working but I also know when I need breaks which helps me through the day.

MoWW

Hi Christian,

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain again in your foot. I have added a link to our website on exercise for foot pain, I appreciate this may be difficult for you to keep as active as you would like. I hope this is of help.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/#foot-and-ankle-pain_exercises-to-manage-foot-pain

Mo

Christian78

Hi Mo, thanks for your message yes I kind of have pain/ aching tingling/discomfort in my feet but I keep taking my medication and do excersises and keep as active as possible, thanks for the link this will help me as well, thank you.

Christian78

Christian78

Hi Mo, I have ordered some new footwear called Airtox made in Denmark, all new technologies and a Scandinavian wide fitting shoes which are relatively expensive in the hundreds I have had Airtox shoes already and they are very comfortable and great wide fitting shoe/trainer which are great for my feet because of the AO in both of my feet, highly recommended.

helpline_team

Hi Christian78

Thanks for your post to the Helpline. When you are trying to self-manage your osteoarthritis, as well as keeping moving, it's also helpful to eat a balanced diet. If you are overweight, anything you can do to lose through healthy eating would be positive.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/

I may have misunderstood, but you mentioned using two anti-inflammatories, and it may not be advised to use two kinds (if they are both tablets). For more about this, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. These drugs can also put up blood pressure, so using the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time is generally advised.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/painkillers-and-nsaids/

All the best

Guy, Helpline Team

Christian78

Hello help line I am unable to log out of the forum??.
Please can you log me out.

Anna

Hi @Christian78

Do you mean you want to leave the forum site? If so, you just need to click on your avatar in the top right hand corner and then scroll down to 'sign out'.

Christian78

Hi help line apparently there was a problem with the software this is why I couldn't sign out, but it is sorted out now.
Sorry I only take one anti inflammatory painkillers.
And I also take Nortriptyline 25mg a day for pain which was prescribed by my pain management specialist.

Sorry for any miss understanding.

Regards

John

helpline_team

Hi John

Thanks for letting us know. And if you'd like chat about your situation, do consider ringing us if you'd like to.

all the best

Guy, Helpline Team

Christian78

Hi helpline, thanks for your message, if I need to I will call the helpline thanks.
Regards

Christian78

I am struggling in the morning's when I get out bed with stiffness and pain more so in my left foot than my right foot I take Etoricoxib 90mg table in the mornings, and Nortriptyline 25mg in the evening, and I am still waiting to see my pain specialist to have some more steroid injections in my left foot but no appointment yet for this even thought my GP did a referral in early February, hopefully I will get appointment soon!!!!.

helpline_team

Hi @Christian78

I am sorry you are experiencing ongoing stiffness and pain in your feet. I hope you get your appointment with your pain specialist soon.

If you haven’t already called the helpline, please consider doing so (freephone: 0800 5200 520). We can offer more tailored support, especially regarding pain management options you may not have considered. It may just help you get through until you see a pain specialist.

We often talk to people on the helpline about a complementary product called Capsaicin cream. This is a drug-free, effective, and very well-tolerated painkiller which is now available on the NHS. It works mainly by reducing a pain transmitter in the nerves.  You can read more about it and the randomised controlled trials in which it was given a score of 5/5 for effectiveness for treating pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee and hands. It is available on prescription and can be used on most joints, with medical advice. You may wish to ask your GP about trying it on your feet. We can explain more about it if you call us.  

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Mags

Helpline Team

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

Christian78

Hi Mags, thank you for your feedback very useful information I will contact my GP regarding using capsaicin cream on my foot my girlfriend uses capsaicin on her back for pain, so I will speak to my GP and arrange for a prescription for some cream and give it a go, thanks for your message and I will call the helpline at some point, thanks for your help.
Best wishes
John

helpline_team

@Christian78 I really hope it helps John. I'm pleased you know about the cream already and will understand it can take a week or so of using it 3-4x a day to take effect. Best wishes, Mags

Christian78

Hi Mags, my partner uses the capsaicin cream X3 times a day and there are two strengths 0.025% and 0.075% capsaicin cream I am seeing my GP next week so I will mention about using the cream on my foot.
Thanks again for your help and information.
Best wishes,
John