Arthritis (Gout) in ankle, due to old break. I had a sudden severe flare-up which was so painful (as Gout can be) that, for an hour, I felt sick and faint and could not touch my skin. Later I was unable to stretch, bend, walk, weight bear, point toes, wear shoes, sleep at night. For 2 weeks. Then residual pain, constant limping and unable to walk any distance especially on uneven ground.
I had been used to taking the odd anti-inflammatory pill, maybe 2 a month for instant relief. Many years ago my Osteopath told me that it was senseless using heat on painful joints. Heat on inflammation was never going to help, even if it was comforting. Always ice packs when problems, Turmeric & Black Pepper daily, Glucosamine & Chondroitin daily - especially helpful with back problems. Anti-inflammatories must be taken as a course and under medical supervision since stronger doses are not necessarily safe for older people.
I never take Ibuprofen any more - not even for a headache - since my Doctor confirmed that all anti-inflammatories raise blood pressure.
Referred to Rheumatologist, examined. I thought I would have to start a special diet and avoid things like tomatoes. He said not and was very optimistic he could help. He gave me a prescription for Anti-inflammatories for 10 days and then asked me to make arrangements for the treatment prescribed, according to the prescriptions he wrote. I arranged for a full blood test, followed in sync by an Arthroscopy of the ankle joint with an iodine infusion to show up the damage on the x rays, then an infiltration/injection of corticosteroids to 'wash over' the joint. I then was taken to the Scanner unit at another site within half an hour in order to have a scan. Resting for 2 days meant that the anti-inflammatory didn't disperse away from the problem site. I could then walk normally. By the time I visited the Rheumatologist again a week later, I could walk normally and even dance! This was 3 months ago. If/when I have another problem, I have to contact the Rheumatologist immediately so that, as he says, he can sort it out!
It was only the flare-up of Arthritis/Gout and the serious pain of that that forced me to speak to my Doctor, otherwise I would possibly still be complaining of pain and stiffness in my ankle which was limiting all my activities at some time or another. I feel very grateful that I was able to access treatment easily and I've been told that there are further things that can be done if my ankle should deteriorate any time soon.
Meanwhile I have a CD of 60 small images of my foot and prints of same from the scanner, together with 6 large x-rays and a Consultant's notes regarding treatment and diagnosis which I keep on a file with other medical results in case I need further treatment.
I wish that I had sought help sooner, because it is available.
This post is not advice - but maybe this information about my own particular foot problem could be helpful to someone on this thread.
I feel like I lack basic general knowledge
Have things improved in your 60s?
Adult kids staying and not contributing.
