Struggling with diagnosis

shmagic

I had been in a lot of pain with my ankle and right foot. Saw doctor who did blood test and X Ray. Ankle was very swollen and was given Naproxen. Swelling went down pain wasn't improved. Blood tests showed slightly higher level of Uric acid so gout was thought cause of pain . Started following gout diet as muchas possible. Zero alcohol less processed food no oats etc. Will admit occasionally had red meat but very little.I was still having a lot of pain and couldn't walk far at all in comparison to before this happening. If I stand for more than 15 to 20 minutes my ankle throbs and get burning nerve like pain in it. Thought it was gout but went back to doctor (different one) who said didn't think it was gout. Thing is 1st doctor mentioned my X ray showed some osteoarthritis signs which I took to mean wear and tear.

2nd doctor said your X ray showed severe degenerative osteoarthritis which to me means ankle is in a bad way. She's given me diclofenac for now it really helps the pain so I can function a bit better but if on my feet too long I then can't walk. I liken it to trying to walk with a broken ankle. I am probably 20lbs overweight and will try to lose it after Xmas but I'm not massively overweight size 14 to small 16.I don't want to be on pills if can help it but the level of pain is such I just feel like cutting my foot off would hurt less I know that's crazy really.

Anyway sorry to moan I know could be so much worse than others I just feel like I've not got a lot of years left and it's depressing not knowing if it's going to get worse.

Ellen

Morning @shmagic welcome to the online community.

I see you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your ankle and are really struggling with pain.

Have you yet had time to look into Arthritis of the ankle? If not here is some information:

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

You are so wise to look at losing some weight when the festive season is over. It's been proven that even a few extra pounds can make a huge difference to the pressure on our joints. In the meantime I wonder whether these exercises might be of interest to you?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-toes-feet-and-ankles/

It may well feel as though exercise is the last thing you want to do when you're in pain, but genuinely it can help.

If you use the search icon top of page (magnifying glass) you can find other threads on the subject of ankle pain.

My best wishes

Ellen.