I was at the doctors this morning to finally address some chronic ankle pain that I’ve had on and off for a couple years now. Turns out the joint is pretty worn down and I’ve got early stages of arthritis. It’s par for the course, with me being born with clubfoot on that side, and many years of skateboarding, dirt biking, BMX, hiking, etc. Here I am, 3 weeks shy of being 38 and I’m more upset about having arthritis at my age than I am about creeping up on 40. To start, I’m going to be wearing an ankle brace to keep it immobilized which will hopefully keep the inflammation down. If that doesn’t work, then it’s on to talking about cortisone shots a couple times a year, and eventually surgery. My first thought was to just amputate it and get a prosthetic, as many people with clubfoot have decided to do. That’s off in the future though, if it ever comes up. For now I’m trying to simply get by with what I’ve got. Anyway, I’m looking for advice from people that have experience managing arthritis. Much appreciated, thanks.
Had issues with my hands years ago and was told I had early rheumatoid. I don’t remember what if any medication I took, but the pain and inflammation went away and I have not had issues since. I do seek cortisone shots for elbow issues. Sometimes get immediate relief, sometimes slower, but I’m able to keep working and doing firewood. Arthritis and degenerative discs is part of the middle aged working man’s deal. My neck makes a strange crunchy noise now when I tilt my head left or right.
Eric, talk with a physical therapist first off. They can’t cure but can help and you can learn to do things differently to take some pressure off from the ankles. A lot is how you walk. You are on concrete all day with your job, that’s bad. I have it in my knee and hip, accident related, and need replacements. I was told over 7 years ago I had 3-5 years, everything I’ve done with a PT has helped. I have bad days but get through them. Also since this all happened both ankles and feet have hurt, lots of micro fractures. They can’t do anything about it but PT has helped that immensely. Unfortunately I’ve had to learn to walk 3 times now and another is coming when it’s time.
Sorry to hear that... The things that we do when we are young seems to come back to haunt us when we are older...
Couple years ago I broke both ankles in a tree felling accident. Arthritis has set in and it is painful to walk. A good friend of mine that is a retired pharmacist suggested I talk to a doctor about taking Meloxicam. I take one pill of 7.5 MG every morning and I am almost pain free. You might ask your doctor if this could work for you. Arthritis can be a crippling disease but the Meloxicam has worked for me
I like to use voltarin and rub DMSO horse salve on top. DMSO is the only thing that gets my elbows and back loose some days.
Thanks, I picked up some voltarin earlier tonight. I’ll have to give that DMSO a shot too, it looks like good stuff.
I’ll look into that, thanks. I’m open to using anti-inflammatory drugs. The one thing I was adamant about with the doctor is that I’m not getting on the “pain management” merry-go-round. I’ve seen too many decent people go down the drain pipe over a pill habit they couldn’t shake.
DMSO is good stuff, just watch it. Some people experience burning sensations. It is a carrier for whatever you put on your skin. It sinks it way down.
Perhaps the biggest problem with most arthritis medicine is that is extremely hard on the stomach. I have only 25% of my stomach so have to be very careful with that. As for the fear of pain medicine, I guess there are people who are so weak they do start taking pain meds then go overboard. If they can't control themselves then it can be a problem. I always have pain medicine and very strong stuff but I use it with caution. I have used it for many, many years and the doctor knows I do not abuse it. I used to check with my druggist friend and ask about getting hooked on it. He looks at my record and simply says I should not worry as I keep it in line. I do not take it daily and don't like taking it but it is all about quality of life. When the pain gets so bad you can't function, you do what is necessary. As for PT, I have no use for them any more. I've seen plenty over the years but can say I have never gotten anything from them except a lighter bank account.
