Just diagnosed, arthritis in the joints of my toes.

[rsslldnphy]

Well I just had the podiatry outpatient appointment I've been waiting for for a few months, and it confirmed my fears: arthritis. Pretty annoying given I'm only 35 years old, but hey ho.

It's not like I'm super-active but I have found myself more resistant than I used to be to doing yoga since I started getting these pains. Hopefully I'll find ways to manage the pain enough to let me get back into a rhythm with it.

(Also - hi! I work at HealthUnlocked. Despite the circumstances it's nice to be joining you as a fellow member of the community.)

[Hidden]

Hiya im sorry to hear your diagnosis, i had my blood test results yesterday and they were negative for ra, i should be jumping for joy! But just what is causeing the pains in my shoulders and hands? I am waiting for ultrasound scan on shoulders to see what damage if any to the joint if none possibly rotator cuff injury. I hope you find releaf soon good luck

[Deniseelk in reply to Hidden]

Hi there. Out of interest you say you had bloods. Did this include a test for anti ccp? You can request a copy of your results from your GP ( I do as I also like to see any changes and what my normal levels are). In the meantime I would suggest you keep a diary of pain / any swelling or heat on joints / maybe a photo if there is swelling / any issues of movement that is a change , etc. You may find it very helpful when you have a future appointment when ultrasound results in! I know I did. Best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to Deniseelk]

Thank you deniseelk, my pains at the moment are in both thumbs which swell slightly and lock at times, my shoulders and upper arms are worse in mornings but pretty useless during wakeing hours when i need to do anything above my head also things that involve applying downward pressure like cleaning hurts too.i will seek my results as i cant believe my immune system checks came back normal , i suspect my gp may be reading them wrong as he read my results for water infection recently as normal yet a blind man could see i had one , i will keep us all informed yhanks again

[Leo83]

Hi. Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I’m interested to pick your brains as to how your diagnosis came about? Did bloods confirm arthritis and then you were referred to a podiatrist? I’ve had loads of blood tests done with some “things” raised etc. But doctor says they don’t show anything. However I’m in pain with feet and ankles all day every day. And often in a lot of pain in my thumbs and wrists. Ive asked to be referred elsewhere but my doctor said, his words “we wouldn’t know where to refer you to” Very fed up

[rsslldnphy in reply to Leo83]

Sorry for the slow reply, Leo83 . And sorry to hear about your situation, that sounds rubbish. My GP referred me to the podiatry department of a local hospital as I'd had persistent pains in the toes of my right foot for almost a year. The person I spoke to asked me a few questions and then sent me for an X-ray - once they had that they were able to make the diagnosis quickly. I didn't have any blood tests. My dad has arthritis in his toes too so I was kind of expecting it, but maybe not quite this early.

[Leo83 in reply to rsslldnphy]

Thanks for the reply and that is really helpful. I’m back at the doctors on Friday and planning on insisting on podiatrist referral. I was just worried that wasn’t the best place to go.

[JDQuinn75]

I’m 43 and have it in my feet as well . All though it started in my feet four year ago after it started in my hand . It can be a struggle and be very painful at times. I find the key is to keep the most comfortable shoes that you can find on and when you need to get off then do so when you can. Don’t over do it. I have it in other areas of my body that are worse than my feet are . My back is one other area plus in my hip too. Take it ease when you need to tho. Good luck.

[rsslldnphy in reply to JDQuinn75]

Thanks JDQuinn75 ! Yes I've found wearing stiff soled boots has made a huge difference. It's frustrating to think that I don't have the chance to be as active as I might like. All the best.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to rsslldnphy]

rsslldbply , All I can say is to hang in there and do the best you can when your arthritis pain acts up. I know it can be hard. My osteoarthritis can be unbearable at times. Especially in my back. You’ll probably get a good laugh at this but I ended up waring my moccasin to work today. Thank goodness I can get away with doing that from time to time. It makes my feet feel a lot more comfortable than having sneakers on all day. No I’m not the only one that goes to work with my moccasins. Several of us where I work goes in occasionally. Especially on the cold bitter day. I’ll probably do the same again tomorrow.