Anyone else suffering arthritis in their feet? OUCH!

I had two shots, one on either side of my left ankle to target pain from a nasty fall two yrs prior, as well as the arthritis. The foot orthopedist did explain the entire procedure and did advise that the shots were not a cure-all but could be repeated as and when needed. I had been having tremendous pain in the entire foot, so he divided the procedure into two sections: ankle and toe bed. The ankle was (at that time) causing the most pain (constant hot nerve pain, non stop 24/7 levels 7 to 10/10), so I asked that he do that area first.

Even with numbing the area, the pain from the injection was intense. Dissipated to a harsh numbness with sensation of overextended balloon. The was on a Friday morning in his office. All was good for balance of that day and I was fine through the night. By Saturday morning, pain again set in with a vengeance. I'm generally able to "ride a pain wave" but this pain brought me to tears and body shakes. Cold packs, warm packs, Aleve (the only thing I can take), ---NOTHING helped. I endured it all of that day and slept (poorly!) with foot propped up with pillows. Alleviated by Sunday to throbbing pain level 7. Continued with hot/cold packs and Aleve. The fact that fibromyalgia causes more intensified sensitivity to pain just made my entire body join in the pain party. By Monday morning, pain had dissipated to a level 5ish. Had spent the entire weekend on the main floor sofa because there had been no way the stairs to bedroom level could have been ascended without a chair lift, which we do not have. Kitchen and bathroom on that main level made it convenient for me and hubby. I had pre-planned meals and had a variety in the fridge, which my husband then was able to heat for the two of us. The pain did affect my appetitive since I tend to feel intense pain within my stomach. I had prepared butternut squash soup along with the other stored meals, and it was greatly welcomed by my stomach.
Monday morning, I called the foot orthopedist who had administered the injections and informed him of my agonizing experience, and how it had been a helluva lot worse than the pain it had been meant to treat. Informed him that the shots that he had planned for the front part of foot were definitely NOT going to take place. Injection in toe bed had been planned to relieve the constant pain caused by neuropathy, arthritis, and 3 neuromas (including a nasty hammer toe). The was in Sept of 2022. Now almost two years later, the conditions of my left foot are still existent but the experience of what I'd gone through with the shots to my ankle left me resolute not to undergo any more injections to that appendage.

How do I then deal with the arthritis along with other problems? I've delineated in other posts, but will briefly say that switching to WIDE width Merrell, Skechers, and podiatrist approved Acis footwear has been a godsend. All have mesh/stretch fabric rather than leather (which has no give" thus restricts toes). I upped the size also from 8.5 to 9.5 - 10 (depending on brand/style). Toes have to be able to splay out, which I do to exercise toes throughout the day. I have a pair specifically to wear in the house in place of slippers. Socks are nonbinding and allow space for toes, with no tightening on top of foot all the way up to the ankle. I have recently found that mens low cut socks are so much more comfortable than what are available for women. For me, it's all about comfort, not on being fashionable. I have a compounded cream prescribed by my incredible podiatrist which helps as needed. I take breaks while doing house chores especially when in the kitchen, and elevate my feet, remove my shoes/socks and gently massage the foot, including exercises learned during physical therapy. Aleve as needed (which for me is used sparingly since it is actually contraindicated by other medical issues, but it's the only pain reliever okayed by my primary; also can't take prescription pain drugs). I have osteoarthritis in many other joints, with the feet and hands being the most painful. None of this is going to disappear so I've learned to accept that it is part of me and have learned to adjust/adapt and let go of activities that are not contributing to quality of life while exploring others.

I'm just sharing what I experienced. You need to consider the specific parameters that make up your pain, and of course choose what's best for you.
🌺I wish you the very best.

Oh my word. That all sounds terrible and I’m so very sorry. I’m glad your cream from the compounding pharmacy is giving you some relief. Good luck going forward. 🌼

I have severe arthritis in my feet and can barely walk in my home at times let alone outside. Some things I do find helpful: very well cushioned shoes with ample width, shoe inserts with arches that match your own in height, even Dr Scholls are good. Diclofenac ( Voltaren) gel, OTC twice a day, rubbed in well under the arch, heat to feet, massage (heavenly), even DIY massage by rolling your foot around on a tennis ball or rolling pin. NSAIDS if you can take them. I have also had joint steroid injections at pain clinic done by anesthesiologist who injects the joints under fluoroscopy through top of foot. Not fun but can give significant relief for a few months, then repeat. Orthopedist orders which joints to inject based on xrays. Keep a cushioned gel type floor mat in front of kitchen sink. I use a walker, which helps shift some weight bearing to your arms. That might allow you to walk a bit more outside and you can sit and rest if it’s the 4 wheel type with seat. Wear warm socks 24/7. Amazon has small foam toe separators if needed to prevent calluses and blisters. Take pain med an hour before walking outside if you can get something. Lidocaine pain patches OTC cut to size under the arch provide some relief for about 12 hrs. Any brand is ok, the flexible ones may stick a bit better. Metatarsal pads if the ball of foot is painful, heel cups if plantar fasciitis a problem. I also like Sketchers and Dawgs shoes ( inexpensive, online, very cushioned). Spend 5-10 minutes in morning getting your feet ready for the day. It pays off. Whew! What we must do to keep mobile! PS make sure RA is not a culprit and if it is, get adequately treated by a good rheumatologist!