Foot pain

Junerose

Hi there. Has anyone else experienced heal/arch/ankle pain with OA? I’ve had excruciating pain for 2 years in my foot & have tried exercises, painkillers/ice/heat-but without any relief. I asked my GP to refer me for a scan but was told I’d be refused by my local hospital as they’d say it was Plantar Faciilitis. I know the symptoms present as this, but the cause could be a degeneration of the foot bones, so unless a scan is done, how will I know?! I asked to be referred to an NHS podiatrist but was refused that as well, so Im having to pay privately, which is not right surely. I had a scan on my knee & that showed OA, so why cant they scan my foot? Has anyone else come up against this situation, and how did you deal with it. I cant work, but try to stay active around the condition if I can. It feels as though my GP/hospital is not taking the pain & debilitation of my arthritis seriously enough.

MoWW

Hello Junerose,

welcome to our Versus Arthritis online forum. Living with foot pain, as you describe must be challenging., you have come to the right place, as our members will be able to offer you information, support and share their experiences with you.

I have put together some links to information that may be of help.

Our website has information on foot pain, causes and management

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/healthcare-professionals/clinical-assessment-of-patients-with-musculoskeletal-conditions/the-musculoskeletal-examination-rems/examination-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

I am sorry you have had difficulty finding the support and services you feel necessary, this link details how your GP can support you https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/who-will-treat-you/general-practitioner-gp/

I understand you have a podiatrist who is working with you, information on podiatrists remit is detailed here. https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/who-will-treat-you/podiatrist/

If you are unhappy with the treatment or service you receive from your GP practice and wish to make a complaint, this link to the Ombudsman website will give you details. Depending on which nation you reside in details can be found on their specific NHS websites. https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/sites/default/files/How_to_raise_concerns_about_a_general_practice_0.pdf

Our free Helpline is also available (Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm), if you wish to speak with someone.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/get-help/

I hope you find our forum welcoming, and I am sure our forum members will help you with your query

Mo

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Junerose

Thank you for your advice. I was offered a steroid injection but declined as Ive had them in my hands & elbows but it made the pain worse & left terrible permanent bruising. My GP said the injection in my foot would be very painful & I’d need to rest afterwards, maybe for a few days. Im just waiting to see if I’ll be lucky enough to get an NHS ultrasound scan & take things from there. I hope you're managing with your OA, as it sounds like you've been affected quite badly. Its good to get your opinion/advice, so thank you again.

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