Gout or arthritis?

[fengirl1]

My first thread...
I have had problems with various joints since my mid-thirties, now mid-forties. My thumb joints now don't bend as far as they used to and I can't sleep on my right side as I feel like I'm laying on a 'lump'.
Background to this: my mum has bad arthritis...My big toe joints have been dodgy for a long time meaning I have to be very careful what shoes I wear (and no heels).
I have had problems with my left big toe joint getting very painful and then subsiding over a few days - both big toes clearly have enlarged joints and toes point inwards.
I've had another flare-up (the worst ever) today and could barely walk... I went to the doctors and have been prescribed diclofenac. The doctor said it could be gout, but the joint isn't hot. Blood test booked for tomorrow to test uric acid levels.
What do you medically-types think?
Sorry for the long post!

And she talked about treatment for gout, but also said there were 'arthritic changes', no word of what would happen if it is arthritis? (I'm not ready to think of myself as and old bird just yet!)

Shall I just go and sit quietly on my own then?

Hi ,well it could be either gout or arthritis or both .

Blood test will identify gout which it's important to get under control as untreated it causes further damage .

Arthritis is no fun at all ,but that's about all I know about it ,sorry .

IME changes in diet or water can cause joints to flare up ,acidic stuff like apple juice for example .

Hope you get results soon .

I thought it was just me on here and the rest were my imaginary friends...... Thanks for the reply. I had the blood test this am, and despite not mentioning it, I am also being tested for rheumatoid factor as well which is reassuring.

hey fengirl, you sound as though you have the exact same complaint as my dh, he has had problems with his big toe joints for about a year now and the doctor kept saying it could be this it could be that, finally he had a blood test for gout and it was clear but an xray has shown up arthritis, he has an appointment to discuss options ie pain relief operation or just to put up with it flaring up now and then, I cant say I feel your pain cos I don't but at times these flare up have had my dh in tears so I can only imaging the pain xxx

If you're under 50 it's really unlikely to be gout. I have hallux rigidus

It's probably a bunion and the joint capsule has become inflamed because of it. Stretching the capsule (google it), and using alternate hot and cold packs will help. As well as the duclofenac. HTH

Sorry posted too soon . Hallux rigidus from osteo arthritis of that joint.

You could also have Hallux Limitus, the stage before a hallux Rigidus. Its worth seeing a musculoskeletal Podiatrist, it's possible that while they can't correct it they may be able to stop or slow down the progression of the damage. They almost certainly should be able to help you with the pain too by a variety of means.

Ooh, replies! Thanks. I'm still waiting for blood results.... Interesting that some people have been offered help with big toes as all I've had 'til now is 'come back if it stops you from doing anything for two weeks'! I didn't like to take along all of my lovely shoes that I've now thrown out because I can't wear them (none with high heels I might add). The pain is better than it was now as I'm taking diclofenac, but a finger and another couple of toes are joining in, and I thought I have tennis elbow but not so sure now....

I have this in my toes, hands and elbows. It's psoriatic arthritis. I don't have psoriasis but it's in my family. All those joints are typical locations of this kind of arthritis. Some days are worse than others. This cold, damp weather is bloody awful. I went to Venice in march, v damp obviously, and could have wept with the pain in my toes.
I take Naproxen as required,started on Diclofenic. I also use copious amounts of Ibuprofen gel. You can also take paracetamol with Diclofenic if you need to. Keep your joints warm (thermal socks in the winter) and wear supportive shoes (ideally lace ups,apparently) with a one inch heel. I'm sick of hearing this advice from the Consultant, but to be fair it does make a big difference ( not that I follow it very often). I wear Fitflops or Birkenstocks in the summer.
I hope this helps.

Mocking, (blimey the list of complaints is coming out now!) I have had what was diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis for years (also get scaly patches on my scalp, face, in eyebrows, behind ears and in bum-crack so I'm really wondering now if its all connected? Oh well, I might get some answers when the blood tests come through...

I have psoriatic arthritis and have definate problems with my feet and hands especially the joints. Hope you get sorted soon, make sure you push for answers cos the sooner you start treatment the less chance of joint damage.

sounds like psa to me. make sure to insist in a rheumatologist referral and mention skin problems

Hi, just skittle update.
No joy from previous dr appointments, but I've now had problems with my hands (painful joint on left ring finger and painful joints on right index finger with loss of movement), going on for several weeks.
The drs have finally listened to how worried I am about losing movement and have referred me to rheumatology and done a ccp (?) and rheumatoid factor test.
I hope I'm closer to some answers....

Haha, little not skittle! Bloody fingers....