First the back story. October 2024 I fell and twisted my right foot. By the beginning of 2025 I was hobbling around. Went to the doctor had x-rays and ultra sound, and it showed nothing. The odd thing the pain was coming from the top of my foot not the bottom. Went to the chiropodist and she said it was a bone spur, so had shock therapy, which is a mini jack hammer that pounds the area. Yes it hurt first time but after the three treatments, I was asking her if she had turned down the machine.
Regardless, I wasn't feeling the benefit. Meanwhile the doctor had booked me in for a MRI, which was for October 18th, 2025. I had the MRI and was talking to another doctor about something else, and he pulled up my MRI results and I have severe arthritis in my foot.
So I am feeling a bit better with my foot. I have good days and bad days. I can't explain why I have those days, but I do. I can walk 4,000 steps without a problem one day, another day I will be hobbling. We did a long day at Dollywood and had plenty of rest stops and sitting down; and I think we walked at least 12k in steps.
Now as I have been hobbling with my right foot, I have of course been favouring my left foot. Suffice to say my left foot and knee are now giving me trouble.
In between all of this my doctor sent a referral to see a specialist that deals with feet. I get an automated telephone call on Thursday to see this guy in a couple of weeks time. I also have a telephone appointment with our family doctor on Monday.
So that's the story, here is where you guys come in.
The specialist that I am booked to see has horrible reviews........I will talk to my doctor regarding this. I know the specialist is going to suggest a cortisone injection in my foot. I feel as though that should be a last resort when I can't stand the pain anymore. At this point as I said I have good days and bad, but I don't think I am at the point where something has to be done. Am I right to be thinking this?
The specialist wants all film's and cd's from the test's I have had done on my right foot, which is fine. But now my left side is playing up I feel as though I should have a MRI done on my left knee and foot before seeing this specialist? Do you think this is a way to go? I could be waiting at least six months for this. I waited around 9+ months for the one on my right foot.
My plan of action is to talk to our family doctor on Monday, and talk to him about booking me a MRI for the left side. Talk to him about why this specialist has such horrible reviews? If he insists I see this guy talk to him about pushing the appointment out to next year after I have had this second MRI.
Any other suggestions what I should do about my feet? I have been wearing Birkenstocks all summer, and I have two pairs of fancy running shoes, to make me walk properly and have special insoles. However as winter approaches, I will be back to two pairs of winter shoes/boots from Land's End which are stretchy over the top of my feet, as I can't have anything tight against the top of my feet.
As I said any other suggestions greatly appreciated. I also have arthritis in my back and hands but neither are classed as severe, they're just general aging, and wear and tear.
What works for you, if you have arthritis?
