I'm new - seeking advice

[Jenzo_G]

Hello all.

I've very recently found out I've likely got rheumatoid arthritis (my GP is 99% sure that's what it is, but have been referred to a rheumatologist to confirm).

At the moment I'm suffering with a very swollen and painful right foot - anyone got any recommendations of what I can do to alleviate the symptoms a bit?

Also, any general information would be great. It's all very new to me and just making my way through some information online (NRAS and NHS etc.).

Thanks!

[enthusiatjc]

Hi, Sorry to hear that you are in pain. When I have swollen and painful joints, it helps when I soak them in some warm salt water. It helps bring down the swelling and reduce the pain. Hope you feel better!

[LizzieR]

I agree. Warmth is good- baths etc. I also bought a 'wax bath'. Apparently they used to use them in hospitals. They do help relieve pain.

I'd also get a referral to a rheumatology- associated podiatrist to see if they have any ideas.

I hope you feel better soon x

[Gnarli]

Hi Jenzo and welcome to the gang. I hope you get to see the rheumy very soon so that a proper diagnosis can be made and a treatment plan (if necessary) can be organised. Your GP should be able to prescribe some pain relief to tide you over. In the meantime perhaps you could try soaking your foot in a warm footbath with added Epsom salts which can be a useful. Hugs

Jan

[Damaged]

Keep it elevated. I find if I am on my feet to long or sitting to long I get swelling . Hope you get a diagnoses and treatment soon.

[medway-lady]

Ice works well, I use frozen peas but mark the bag when refreezing just in case you think thats a good veg to have with the steak one evening! lol

[LyndaKenny]

I'm so sorry , I too am newly diagnosed. It's affected my hands more than anything and my left ankle. I've heard that soaking in Epsom salts helps.

[ruth_p]

I was once told to use warmth in the morning and cold in the evening to help reduce the swelling from the day.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya & welcome. You have my empathy, it was because my feet were so sore that I went to my GP & she recognised straight away what the problem was as she had a special interest in Rheumatology. Blood tests confirmed her suspicions & I was diagnosed a fortnight later. What I found helped in that fortnight (still do) was heat. Initially I used a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel & lay my feet on it. Since then I've used an electric foot warmer (the ones that look like a big boot) & use I every morning to get my feet moving & whenever they're 'tired'. Some find using cold helps, this confuses the pain receptors & can reduce swelling but it's better to use cold compresses in shorts bursts (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel or a wine bottle cooler wrap again wrapped in a towel will do) whereas heat can be used more regularly & for longer relief.

If your GP didn't prescribe anything until you're seen my a Rheumy taking an over the counter pain relief (such as paracetamol) & an otc NSAID (ibuprofen), ask the Pharmacist at a chemist which ones would be best, explain what your GP suspects you have. I'll pass on what my GP said to me though when she prescribed for me, stop taking them a few spdays before your diagnostic appointment because your Rheumy need to examine you & take bloods without any inflammation or pain relief in order to diagnose & recommend treatment.

As well as the NRAS & NHS choices sites you could also have a look through the ARUK site arthritisresearchuk.org

Keep us updated & if there's anything else you'd like help with just ask, we've all been where you are now so know how it feels! 🙂