Advice needed on next steps ...

ShaunB

Hi

I am new to the community and I am seeking some advice from people in the know. However, reading some of the posts I feel a bit of a fraud as the problem I have pales into insignificance compared with some of the issues many of you are dealing with.

For some years I have had a sore big toe and two painful swelling flare ups which I was told by doctors over the phone that it may have been gout. The joint at the base of my big toe on my right foot had been stiff, achy, red and slightly swollen for a sustained period so I recently went for an x-ray and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis presumably at my big toe joint, with the doctor implying that there appeared to be no bone damage just wear and tear of the cartilage. Although, he did say that if the joint flares up again to go to the surgery so they can check for gout. This has left me very confused and I want to seek a better diagnosis, however I am not sure who best to see e.g. rheumatologist, foot and ankle clinic,  podiatrist, osteopath, etc. I would also like to know which specialist/clinic/doctor is best placed to advise on the best types of exercise (exercise to avoid), managing the pain, long term management, orthotics, etc.  

Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated?

Tom

Good morning @ShaunB and welcome to the Community. I see that you have received a diagnosis of osteo arthritis which you do not feel goes far enough to explain your symptoms. You have been told to return to the surgery if there is a flare up so that you can be tested for gout.

Here is a link to a previous discussion on this topic which I hope you

will find helpful: https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58148/living-with-gout

Here is general information from our website:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?query=gout&scope=site&source=community

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/august/busting-the-myths-of-gout/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/january/what-are-the-best-ways-to-manage-gout/

Please note that we do not give specific medical advice through the Community. Please keep using your GP services. Let us know how you get on and good luck

Tom, Moderator.

ShaunB

Thanks Tom the information was really useful.