Severe foot pain from bunion / arthritis… not coping, what can I do today ?

[Sportacus17]

I would be really grateful if somebody could speak to me please as I am currently sat in tears and I don’t know what to do next.

I’m 39 and have had a large arthritic bunion for about 10 years and have been “getting by” with orthotics, Orthotic shoes, over-the-counter pain relief… Things have really taken a turn for the worst recently and I have very limited movement in that foot.

As well as a very inflamed and painful MTP joint at the base of my second toe. The pain is affecting my back to joint, foot, ankle, up to my knee… This morning I have been hobbling around in pain trying to look after my two children and my lower leg is numb and tingling. I have a podiatry appointment on the 3rd of April and I don’t know what to do in between now and then…ibuprofen isn’t helping.

Would it be worth going to minor injuries today? Is there anything they would realistically be able to do for me? I would need to arrange childcare and go and sit there for a few hours… Otherwise does anybody have any tips? I really can’t go on like this anymore! Thank you for reading.

Not sure how the arthritic element plays into it but I had surgery on a bunion and it really worked. For today though I can’t say but maybe stronger painkillers?

I’m thinking it might be worth going to minor injuries to try and get some stronger painkillers… I think that’s all they could do for me. Thank you for replying, I feel very alone! My husband is away for work at the moment.

I've got an arthritic bone across the top of my foot, and the podiatrist recommended using ibuprofen gel and using a foot compression sock. Both do help.

If I am lucky I might have a compression sock somewhere! I used them when I was pregnant… I might have thrown them away but I will look!

I found the gel helped more than painkillers as it's direct. And soaking your foot in a washing up bowl with warm water also helps ease pain.

Thank you @Wakemeupbe4yougogo really helpful

A wine bottle cooling jacket is wonderful for foot pain.

I had similar but it was bloody gout! So so painful, and I empathise with you.

I found slathering Volterol gel on, and strapping across my foot to include the big bloody painful toe (the stretchy bandages) gave great relief.

Other than that and painrelief, in the worst case, one of those little knee walker things might be good for getting around. I don't know what they're called but you put your knee on and your foot is behind you, and you wheel away! Hospital might arrange this for you. They can be hired for short term too.

https://www.strideon.co.uk/compare-models

Numbness and tingling in the whole leg below the knee isnt due to arthritis in your toe.

Go get checked out properly.