Struggling to walk! Help! :o(

Hi all! I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice!!

Around this time last year I started developing pains in my right foot. It began with an ache in my mid toes. After this I started noticing burning pains in my ball and then pain in my heel and ankle. My left foot also started to become affected (but far less). My right ankle began to click a lot when I tried to rotate it and my right knee clicked more than usual. I went to my GP and he sent me to physio but he didn’t seem to see much wrong and sent me away!

However in august/sep I noticed my right knee started aching intermittently. I went back to my GP (NHS) and had an x-ray scan on my foot and knees (blood test clear). They found that I had slight degeneration in my big toe region and also my knee. My GP wasn’t sure as to why and I was referred to a rheumatologist in November. The doctor there wanted me to have an ultrascan on my foot (booked in January) before making a decision. However I couldn’t make it as I was ill so had to re-book. The next appointment is in 23rd April!!

I started a contract job in January (after searching for over 6-7 months) and after 2-3 weeks of walking my knees started hurting far more. I went to see my GP and he referred me to an orthopedic consultant (due in a few weeks). Now it has progressed and I’ve noticed discomfort in my hips and pain in my sacrum more often too. Even sitting down is uncomfortable. Luckily my job has stopped but I may start a new one soon and don’t want this to ruin everything!

This is getting worrying and am wondering what everyone thinks of it? I can’t help but think my knees have degenerated more and there’s no going back! The annoying thing is prior to all of this I did not do any high impact or strenuous sports whatsoever. I’m 5”8 and have been of good weight (10st10-12), but do have slightly bad posture. I have a flat back and I’m sure somehow it has affected my alignment etc but everyone (especially the physio I saw) seems to be dismissing it. I’m only 25, limping quite abit and don't know what to do to prevent it from getting worse! :( Sorry for the long post and thanks for any advice!

If you've had full blood tests and all is normal then your case is unusual. Of course people have pain from time to time however yours is perhaps progressing. Shame you missed that original apt as illness is not usually something that stops people from attending a hospital apt, especially when there are long waiting lists.

I'd suggest you stick with the GP as the main manager of your case and they can refer out to others as required. You could have a bone scan to see if there's any increased activity anywhere that might account for your discomfort. It that is clear then you could take it from there. I would think the orthopaedic consult is a waste of time unless that order and MRI of the Lumbar spine.

For now it could be anything causing your symptoms.

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah I regret it but I was also assured my nexted appointment would be in a couple of weeks (until I got the darn letter with 23rd april on it! annoying!)

I want to ask you... if you were to have a look at someone with gradual knee problems wouldn't you actually assess the whole structure (foot, pelvis etc) of that person instead of just the knee? Like I said before I have a flat back type posture and feel pretty misaligned from head to toe ... surely this is a big factor and something which shouldn't be dismissed lightly from a physio & doctors right? When I went back to the GP to get a referral to the orthopedic consultant he was talking about anthroscopy...I was like woooo slow down there!!

I have a dreaded feeling its something that could've been prevented by doing some proper asessment to start from a physio with help from a podiatrist.

hi.
i am agree with the following reply by bob. but i want to give you some basic suggestions which are:

• Sit,Stand and Lift properly
• Do not wear high shoes use rubber sole or joggers
• do not wear tight jeans
• do not use tight belts in your pent
• do not use very soft mattress
• do not sit on the floor

• place a pillow between your knees in side laying positions

Follow these instructions if possible and do all the required investigation and don't miss your appointments at hospital.
best regards

umer physio

Hey guys,

Went to see the orthopedic consultant last week and on examination he said both of my knees were okay. He did say my feet were a bit flat footed and probably causing misalignment throughout. I have to go back later and get some prescription insoles. Knees are still aching like hell this minute.

I wanted to ask him some questions but he seemed like he was in a rush so I couldn’t get a chance. There’s soo much info on web but would love to hear from you professionals on this matter. What exactly is going on that is affecting my knees/pelvis like this etc?
<O:p</O:p
I was thinking of doing some exercise/gym activity later to improve it but want to know if there are certain things I should avoid. What sort of activity would you recommend for my type of problem aside from swimming?

Also…this has got me all curious about my current footwear and whether to get a different pair, especially to accommodate these insole. Any more advice on this? Thanks everyone.