The doctor doesn't know what's wrong with my foot

[Myleft]

Or rather, my second toe on the left. It's been like this since last September. I took it to the doctor in December and they didn't know what it was but ordered blood tests and an x Ray which both came back normal so case closed? Which is fine except I can't walk properly on it and it's twice the size of the toe on the right.

Has anyone ever had anything like this?! I did wonder if it's infected but it's not draining or anything and it's been there a long time without spreading.

I have had to explain to numerous GPs and two Rheumatology junior doctors (one an actual registrar) that psoriatic arthritis is regarded as a sero-negative condition.

It really is frustrating.

I eventually had a diagnostic ultra-sound from a Radiology consultant where she found chronic synovitis in my toes and forefeet which by then unfortunately had caused permanent damage and chronic pain.

I can't take Methotrexate but a few months later was started on biologic injections (Adalimumab) which has helped my psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis tremendously well.

I hope this story helps you plan what to ask for and expect. Best of luck

I was about to respond with psoriatic arthritis before I RTFT.
I was diagnosed with PsA last year. I've never had this (I think it's dactylitis?) but I know it's a common symptom.
I'm in two Facebook groups for the condition, which you may find helpful

Hey! I have been having the same problem for 2 years now maybe more honestly but it started just like that in the second toe for the first 6 months then moved to the third toe and then started on my other food and now causes pain up my leg. I have been to podiatrist, family doctor, rheumatologist, dermatologist, neurologist - nobody knows! They’ve tested me for so much through X-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork, biopsy’s and everything comes back normal. Have you gotten anywhere since February with this? These are some of my pictures.

When was the urate test done? If during flare up of gout, uric acid levels can be normal. I’d still be suspecting that tbh. Also uric acid which is at “normal” levels for the population at large is still too high for gout sufferers