I'm so glad that I found this forum. I'm age 28 and have osteoarthritis in my knees which has required 14 knee surgeries bilaterally. I have no cartilage left under my kneecaps.
Since April of 2005, I've had pretty severe pain, redness, and swelling in my left 1st MTP joint extending into my big toe. I've had 2 cortisone shots into the joint in April and June. They tried to aspirate synovial fluid but there was no fluid either time. I've now had 2 MRI scans that have shown nothing but swelling throughout my foot. The orthopedic surgeon said I didn't have gout but most likely an inflammatory arthritis. He said it could be rheumatoid or possibly RSD. He has referred me to a foot surgeon for a possible joint fusion. My joint is an angry red and now my right MTP joint is doing the same thing although it's not as painful yet.
I have no history of autoimmune diseases in my family but I'm trying to figure out what is going on in my feet. For any of you that have RA in your foot, what were your symptoms? I haven't had blood work done or a bone scan. Because the pain and redness is getting worse, I'm concerned about RA.
Thanks for any advice! I really appreciate it!
MY FRIEND IS A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR. THE CHEMO DAMAGED HER KIDNEYS AND SHE REGULARLY HAS GOUT IN FEET AND/OR KNEES WHEN SHE EATS SOMETHING SHE SHOULDN'T. INCREDIBLY PAINFUL, SHE CAN'T WALK OR EVEN HANDLE THE SHEET TOUCHING HER FOOT!! HAVE YOU HAD ANY TESTS FROM A RHEUMY FOR ARTHRITIS OR ARE YOU JUST SEEING A MD? I WOULD SUGGEST A SPECIALIST SUCH AS A RHEUMATOLOGIST TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON. IF IT IS GOUT, THERE ARE CERTAIN FOODS YOU MUST AVOID AND ALSO ALCOHOL. GOOD LUCK TO YOU DEAR!! KEEP US POSTED ON ANY DEVELOPMENTS!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU MAGGIE!Mike
Hi Mike,
What next after he sees the fluid?? did he say?
I have a huuuuuuuge painful bunion on my left foot. My RD has not even seen it yet. He'll se it next week though, my feet hurt so I just wear flip flops at the moment.
Maggie; sounds like it's time to see an RD.
Good luck to you, please let us know how you do
Mike
Hi Maggie,
Welcome to the group. Sorry to hear about your pain, but you are not alone. I have terrible pain in both of my feet. I had a bone scan done and it showed jointeroisions in the bones of my feet. They also swell and get red esp. under the bottom. When I walk it feels like the bones of my feet are cracking and im walking barefoot on jagged rocks. Talk to your doc about x-rays or other possible test that can tell you if you are dealing w/RA OA or another type of arthrits. I surely dont wish more pain on you, but Im glad you found this site for support.
Shawnie
Maggie; right before I was diagnosised I had a horrible time with my feet. The joint right before my big toe....the ball of my foot, on both sides but one was worse was swallowen and Very painful. At times (not all the time) I could barely walk...and driving was so difficult. My GP said it was a bunion problem and eventually would have to have surgery.
When I started seeing the RD a few months later I showed it to her. She said it's ralted to RA and once I started treatment it all but disappeared. Occationally I'll have a little pain in that area...but nothing like before.
Might be your problem too...who know.
OH....and welcome MAGGIE!!! We're glad you're here.Hi Maggie2005,