Advice needed - I have just been diagnosed with arthritis.

[Tryharder]

I was told my GP today that I have osteoarthritis in my right foot (went to hospital for x-ray as it was hurting, limited movement, limping when walking etc - pain started last year when I was pregnant with DC3)

My GP seemed spectacularly unconcerned and has prescribed me some tablets which I take for 6 weeks apparently. He didn't offer any further advice or support.

I feel like I have turned into an old lady overnight. My right foot is swollen and much bigger than my left which means I won't be able to wear high heeled shoes again.

I am currently about 2 stones overweight (pregnancy/breastfeeding aftermath) so this is the spur to get the pounds off. Exercise is difficult as I work full time (long hours) and have 3 young children.

Are there any supplements that I should be taking? Has anyone else got any experience of this - positive or negative or otherwise. This is my first experience of bad health - I used to be so fit and healthy - gym, bike riding, swimming etc and now can't even walk without limping...

What medication have you been put on? My suggestion would be to go and see a physiotherapist who will be able to give you lots of ideas on how to manage this. It really doesn't have to be the end of the world. One thing that would be an excellent thing to try would be hydrotherapy or local pool low intensity aqua aerobics as it puts less strain through your joints. That would enable you to try to loose some of the weight without pain.

Is it osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis? If you are not sure - did you have any bloods taken?

Arthritis really isn't something that you should be overly worried about. Unfortunately it will come to us all at some stage in our life. It just means wear and tear on the joints.

Hope that this is helpful

Sorry to hear about your experience.
Assuming you are talking osteo arthritis (rheumatoid totally different disease confusingly) - I have OA in my hips and likely some other joints too, especially knees and shoulders. I had both hip replaced when DS was small which has kind of 'cured' that problem.
You can take anti inflammatory tablets (mostly diclofenac) to reduce pain and swelling. Personally I'm not a great fan as I know this problem is here for the long term, but at times I do take one if the pain is causing a problem. Before I had my ops, I was on maximum dose for the hips as I really struggled to get around when I was not dosed up.
I do find the pain comes and goes so you may find your current 'flare up' calms down again and you can wear your shoes again!
I do prioritise exercise, I see a personal trainer and swim to keep mobile.
I don't think a GP would generally do anything more as it's something you learn to live with I imagine he seemed unconcerned as it's rather and everyday problem but he shouldn't aassume that you know that so a bit more info would have been a very good idea.
If you fancy trying herbal rememdies - I understand glucosamine is efective as a herbal supplement. I don't take it to be honest, I did try one time but the tablets were so huge to get the right dosage I just couldn't stomach them.
Hope that helps

Hi, I too, have just been diagnosed with OA but mine is in my neck. Like you, my GP (locum) was spectacularly unhelpful. I asked for a copy of my MRI scan report so that I could understand more about what is happening to me. I have also been referred to a spinal consultant at the hospital. Are you being referred anywhere?
I have found this site arthritis care to be helpful and they also have a forum. I've only been on a couple of times but they seem like a friendly and supportive bunch, a bit like here really .
I totally get you when you say you feel like an old lady overnight. The problem I have is most common in people over 60. I'm not quite 40 but feel ancient.
I wish you the best of luck and I hope that foot goes down soon.

Try silica as a supplement.

Hi, I have joint problems and have various friends with OA and RA - definitely seek out physical therapy. Also Feldenkrais therapy will really help you with movement; it's worked wonders for friends with back or other problems.

Glucosamine is excellent for joints - you can buy it in liquid form, which is easier to take but more expensive (Nature's Best is good, you can get from Amazon). I'd also take a good fish oil, Vit D, flaxseed oil and possibly starflower oil. This is what I take for my joints.

Good luck

Are you alright TryHarder ?

Hi, thanks all for messages. Am back at work after MatL so not able to get to the computer so much these days (am mnetting surreptiously from work)

GP has prescribed me Diclofex so started taking it yesterday. Have made an appointment to see him and will ask about physiotherapy and other forms of physical therapy.

Diet started yesterday and am going to ring the gym later today to ask about membership and will look into the supplements suggested on here.

Thanks all xx