Diagnosis

[Falcon9]

Hello, I'm 71 and had a fall about 8 weeks ago. I thought it was just a sprain but a blood clot developed in my leg and I was put on Apixaban. My foot, around the big toe area and bunion was sore and swollen and I had a lot of difficulty walking. After about a month I went to see my GP who took a look and immediately said osteoarthritis ( without examination). He then proceeded to wiggle my toe and feel around the area and confirmed a sprain, nothing broken. He told me to take paracetamol and gave me a gel called Phorpain. He told me to get some better fitting shoes and an orthotic. I asked about where to get the orthotic and he just said the pharmacy. I asked about the Podiatrist at the surgery, he said it wasn't necessary. He also told me without looking, that I'd probably have it in my other foot as well. He's an experienced GP and deals with the elderly patients at the surgery so I'm not questioning his diagnosis.

However, all that said, and now 8 weeks have passed and I have swelling of my foot each evening unless I keep it elevated. I've changed shoes, much more comfortable but it feels like I'm walking on bruises. My other foot is indeed starting to feel the same at times, quite sore around the side of the big toe and both feet feel very heavy and stiff at night. I'm seeing a different GP next week as I've changed address so was wondering just how is osteoarthritis of the big toe/ foot diagnosed and what is the usual starting treatment especially if a bunion is also involved? Thanks.

[Runrig01]

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed with physical examination, as you can generally feel and hear the crepitus of the joint. To understand how severe the arthritis is you would need an X-ray. Treatment of toe joints is generally raking analgesia. It is uncommon to be offered surgery for the toes, which would generally be fusion of the toe, rather than replacing the joint. Generally X-rays are only offered, if it would change the treatment you’re having.

[Falcon9 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for the info.

[Happyrosie]

as Runrig says, though my sister had hallux rigidus (fusion of the bones, looks a bit like a bunion) and had a joint replacement.

I have hallux rigidus too and treat by taking Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Which I buy. It really helps.

[Falcon9 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks Happyrosie.

[BenHall1]

GP's are 'ONLY' generalists. If you feel diagnosis inappropriate pay for a private clinical assessment/ opinion as an initial move.

[Zanypumpkin]

Well I use the Phorpain gel and it works well but you have to use as it says on the instructions. I also take paracetoamol tablets and other pain killers but I also suffer from osteorithis in my toes and other parts as it appears to quite often spread to different areas of the body too. I am 75 so a little older than you. All the best hope that was helpful.

[Falcon9 in reply to Zanypumpkin]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't used the gel yet. As it was ibuprofen I was worried that I'd get a reaction as happened with Nurofen. My GP told me it was OK to use with the bloodthinner, but being highly anxious I've decided to wait until I see another GP next week. Good luck to you too.

[Zanypumpkin in reply to Falcon9]

Yes I also take blood thinners and it seems to work for me. Great chatting to you. Take care.

[Falcon9]

Good to know that all's working well for you. Thanks again.