osteoarthritis

[hannah40]

does anyone else have osteoatrhritis in the big toe joints?and if so what treatment did you have .thanks

[Mctavish]

I have osteoarthritis in my knuckles on both hands ( similar type of joint I suppose) and my Dr has prescribed a gel called Piroxicam which I have to rub in 3 times a day. It has certainly helped me since I started using it.
There are quite a few different ones that you can get and they are ibruprofen based. I prefer this to having to take anti-inflammatory tablets..

[beso]

I had trouble with what the specialist told me was osteoarthritis of the knees. However he did no testing and his diagnosis was based entirely on my description of the pain.

He told me to get used ot it, reduce the load on my knees and eat the ends of chicken bones. I started moving differently, avoided overloading my knees and started to eat a lot of geletine based products.

I still have trouble but it is immensely reduced.

Take a good look at how you walk and see if there is a reason you might be placing excessive load on the bad joints.

[hannah40]

thanks i know i have yo lose weight.i will try the gels as well.

[Brum Lady]

I had an operation to shave the enlarged joints on both big toes caused by acute osteoarthritis back in 2001. Although I was a little disappointed that my feet did not look as good as I hoped they would, it did cure the pain.
Good luck!

[janbee]

Hi Brum Lady. I had the same op on my big toes. I now have screws in my toes and I can never wear high heels again but the pain has now gone.

[hannah40]

janbee and brum lady,can you go to work ok?i work in a shop and on my feet all day it is so painful!

[janbee]

I worked in an office and travelled to and from London every day. I was in plaster for 6 weeks and then a few more weeks after that on crutches. I'm now retired so it's no longer a problem. If you decide to opt for the operation, then be prepared to be off work for a while.

[hannah40]

thanks for all your advice

[Brum Lady]

Sorry Hannah, haven't been on here for a couple of days. I was working in an office, so it wasn't too bad for me either. I can't wear high heels now either, as I can't bend my big toes!

Good luck.