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Original poster

Arthritis advice desperately needed!

15 replies

SheldonSaysSo · 13/04/2019 15:56

I suffer from arthritis and am currently take methotrexate. I am awaiting a drug change to biologics in a few weeks.
I am struggling with severe pain on the pads of my feet just before my toes. My feet are burning all the time and haven't been relieved with anti inflammatories of cocodamol.
I'm posting in desperation that somebody can suggest something that may bring some pain relief (either that I can buy or can ask GP for next week)

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 13/04/2019 16:06

Burning pain sounds more like nerve pain. Ask your GP about trialing gabapentin or pregbalin to see if it helps. Capsicin cream could also be worth a try

MollyHuaCha · 13/04/2019 16:24

Sorry you are suffering. ThanksCake

It's not what you would like to hear, but I wouldn't do anything. Biologics are expensive. Your consultant will have to justify the cost. So I would say hang in there so the biologic treatment is seen to make a big difference (hope it does).

Good luck OP.

Original poster
SheldonSaysSo · 13/04/2019 16:27

Thank you, I already tried one biologic last year and ended up quite unwell. Thats why I am keen to try anything else I can in the meantime but may have to accept that's the best course of action.

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birdinatree · 13/04/2019 16:40

My sympathies to you, can you get an emergency podiatrist appointment- special inner soles transformed things for me. The only other thing was to sit with my feet in alternate hot and cold water. It's just miserable when it's in your feet isn't it Thanks

roundligament · 13/04/2019 16:42

Can you have some steroid injections in your feet
It's the worst
I've got nerve pain in my back and chest and it's soul destroying

Crunchymum · 13/04/2019 17:49

I have been told if I flare, they'll have me in for a steroid injection. Currently I'm feeling well and Methotrexate is doing it's job for me.

My arthritis has always been in my feet, so I literally and metaphorically feel your pain.

  • yes to the podiatrist, although if its NHS then the referral will take a while.
  • find some indoor shoes that help (mine are crocs!)
  • rest
  • accept any help you are offered
  • leave any non essential chores / tasks.

My pain relief of choice was slow release Diclofenac (75mg). Nothing else worked.... at my worst I was on maximum dose of Diclofenac and cocadamol Sad

Wishing you well and hoping the new biologic helps.

Original poster
SheldonSaysSo · 13/04/2019 19:58

I appreciate all advice and I'll give everything a go. It's been a particularly long flare this time that seems impossible to get under control and its becoming hard to cope.

Flowers to everyone else suffering

OP posts:
Schlerp · 13/04/2019 20:03

I was given this cream for something else but it works as a distraction from the burning you describe in your feet. It’s called dermacool and it’s a menthol cream that kind of fools you into feeling cold.

I hope you hear about your biologics soon. I was on biologics for a while a few years back and they transformed me.

temperancefugit · 13/04/2019 21:56

Amitriptyline is worth looking in to.
www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/amitriptyline/

I’d tried everything for an arthritic knee and was half mad with the lack of sleep. On 40g the pain went and after a couple of tries, I was able to come off them after 2 years with only the occasional twinge now. Got my life back.

goodnessidontknow · 13/04/2019 21:58

Have you tried a tens machine? I couldn't survive without mine for nerve pain in my back and legs.

Original poster
SheldonSaysSo · 14/04/2019 08:53

A tens machine is an interesting idea I haven't tried that before. I haven't heard some of the drugs mentioned here either so will investigate those too.

OP posts:
Takeitonthechin · 14/04/2019 09:00

Morning OP, please look at a book called Radiant by Hanna Sillitoe , at first you may think this is for skin conditions, but the way of eating is for arthritis too. You find her on fab and Instagram. If you private message her she will reply. I can only suggest you try this. It's an alkaline diet, but it works. Good luck OP

Takeitonthechin · 14/04/2019 09:01

Face book sorry

complicat3d · 14/04/2019 11:48

Specialist insoles were the thing that helped me. I had pain that felt like I was walking over a pebble beach in bare feet all the time as well as burning.

In my area the NHS only provide insoles for the heel area so I had to go to a private podiatrist, on the plus side I had a same day appointment, insoles within a week and pain reduction of about 50%.
Negatives they were £300 and are quite hard to find decent looking shoes they will fit into. I still wear them 100% of the time though

Steroid injections have also helped. But I agree with a poster above if you reduce your symptoms by other means by the time you go for reassessment for biologics you may no longer meet the criteria for them and be stuck on methotrexate until the next flare. A lovely quirk of the system.

Hope you get some relief soon. Foot pain is hideous

Original poster
SheldonSaysSo · 14/04/2019 20:58

I agree with everyone saying I may well end up stuck on methotrexate. I had the same issue last time as I didn't have documented swelling that was needed to get the funding for a biologic. Its all so tricky and time consuming to get right.

OP posts:
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