Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Catcc on October 27, 2020, 07:37:32 PM
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Hi
I was just wondering if there is anyone out there who has OA in their toes, and any tips on how they have managed it?
I have always been a very active person - ski, dance, gym, walk (long walks up hills/mountains). I was told I had wear and tear arthritis in my big toe about 6 years ago, but the pain was only occasional and went quickly. I guess I've also been in a bit of denial about it - thinking that the doctor got it wrong when she told me it was OA.
Until this month - having been pain-free for ages, it suddenly started niggling whenever I went walking ... and then wham ... severe pain and have been hobbling round like an old lady for 2 weeks. I assumed that the pain would go away like it did in the past. But instead I ended up at an (excellent) podiatrist today .... who confirmed OA. I am now petrified that I am going to be hobbling around for the rest of my life and will no longer be able to walk far or do the things I love. Is there anyone out that who can give me any hope?
The irony is that doctors keep telling me to keep active/exercise for all my other menopausal ailments (including osteopenia diagnosed last month - oh the joys!). I love exercise - they don't need to tell me. But how can I do it now?
I'm going to a specialist shoe shop this week and will possibly get custom insoles too (yet another massive expense on top of all the other meno-related expenses). Has anyone managed to lead an active life with OA in their big toes?
Thanks!
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Ouch. that's the balancing digit of course so gets a lot of pressure.
OA - wear and tear. Because the liquid between the joints has worn/popped. We need WD40 ::)
How about seeing whether your Surgery has a podiatrist that visits for advice? Otherwise, over the counter pain relief or gel prior to exercise as well as correct support. Have your arches dropped which can happen in peri.?
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Hi CLKD
Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, my arches have dropped and all my shoes are too small all of a sudden (there will be bags full of shoes going to the charity shop soon). I'm a dancer (by profession) so my feet have had a lot of wear and tear. The podiatrist I saw today was brilliant (a specialist in sport-related issues) so I feel that I have seen a good person for advice.
I was just wondering if there are people out there who could just cheer me up a bit by telling me that they still manage to walk long distances/lead active lives etc with OA in their toes?
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What did the podiatrist suggest?
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She recommended specific types of shoes (designed to take the pressure of the big toe joint) - I'm going to a specialist shoe shop this week anyway as all my other shoes have been hurting me. I won't be coming out until I have a pair of comfy shoes :-). She said to wear them for a few weeks and then decide whether I would like to try custom insoles (which I probably will do - as I am keen to do everything I can to look after my feet).
The scary bit was when she mentioned that in some people, if the pain is unbearable and stops them doing the things they have to do/love to do, then they may end up needing surgery (fusing of the toe joint - I really don't like the sound of that!). She didn't say that would happen to me .... but it did scare the life out of me!
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Oh don't be scared! If movement is causing pain, it stands to reason that once the joint is arthrodesesed [sp], it can't hurt ;-).
en pointe certainly ruins feet, my teacher wouldn't let any of us go up on our toes unless we were off to the College.
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Thanks for listening CLKD. I just wanted a bit of a moan last night. My poor (supportive) partner must be sick of me complaining about all my menopausal ailments .... and now this :-)
As my mother in law keeps saying to me, I should count my blessings. She's right. I need to find a way of managing it ... one day at a time.
It's the bitter irony of it that gets me though. Every time I see a doctor about one of my other meno- related issues their answer is .... "Exercise more, walk a lot" (things I've always done). I can hardly stand up at the moment :-).
X
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Not gout ? :-\
You moan away, that joint is the balancing joint ......... do consider arthrodesis if it is too painful to bear, with current restrictions it might be years B4 you even get an appt..
Ignore your MinL - apart from the fact that we aren't in Aleppo where they don't know if they will have water or electricity i.e. during lockdown across the UK - you probably do already!
Even cycling would put pressure on the feet ......... :-\
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The thought of me on a bike made me laugh ;D. It's probably the only form of exercise I've never done - not since the age of about 11 :-). I can just see myself falling off and being back at doctor's with yet another issue :-)
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::) :D
I used to cycle but R roads are too bad and there's too much traffic, I can't even remember what the colour is.
R U taking pain relief?
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Hi there ...
You’re not alone. I have hallux rigidus in both of my big toes. Started years ago and I’m only 49 now. It has progressively worsened in the last few years and I ended up being referred and having X-rays. Sometimes I have no pain for months on end. Sometimes it hurts a lot, even with my quilt touching my toes in bed. I went to a podriatrist who did a scan of my feet and I purchased some specialist insoles for my shoes/boots. I bought a fairly stylish pair of boots from Hotter and with the insoles combined the pressure has come off my toes when I’m out and about. The specialist wanted me to get some rocker shoes but I didn’t like the way they looked. Some chiropodists sell some lovely looking shoes and will measure you properly for them. They are quite expensive though x
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:thankyou:
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Hi Cat71
Thanks for this. I'm going to a specialist shoe shop tomorrow to get some shoes that I'll hopefully be able to walk in. Do you still manage to walk much, exercise etc?
Are the insoles you wear the custom made ones from the podiatrist?
Thanks again x
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Hi Catcc. Yes they are ‘custom made’ insoles but really they come in different sizes and shapes, ready made. You should be given a foot scan tomorrow.
At the moment I’m able to exercise (when I haven’t got menopause migraines/headaches/dizziness and being dopey!). I found the inflammation around the joints eased right off when I started wearing better shoes & boots with insoles. The FLY brand of footwear do some nice stylish shoes and boots which are comfortable. Hotter do some half decent ones too and they have removable insoles so that you can put your own ones in. EBay sell these brands cheaper than the actual firms. You just need to have a good look around. I did buy a lovely pair of shoes from the chiropodists but they were very expensive and didn’t fit well across the top of my foot. I took them back. I have narrow feet. I find the shoes with straps across the top to be the most comfortable. Wedge style shoes and boots are best though. Hard to find these type that don’t look frumpy. Let me know how you get on tomorrow.
Ps - I use alvogel on my toes when they are bad. It’s a natural gel which is meant to be as good as ibuprofen. Xx
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Thanks Cat71
I'm just about to leave to go shoe shopping.
I like Fly shoes (I have some wedge boots that I love). My feet seem to have got bigger since Meno though so they're not as comfortable as they used to be.
I use a lot of A Vogel products too so I'll look into the cream.
I'll let you know how I get on. X
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Have fun!!! Xx
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Boots make my feet cold :-\
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Hi Cat cc, hope you found some comfy shoes.
Are you on HRT? How do you treat your osteopenia?
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2 and a half hours I spent in that shoe shop!!! For someone who hates shopping I have to admit it wasn't too bad an experience. Apart from when it came to pay :) Spent a fortune on 2 pairs of shoes and some custom made insoles. I don't get the insoles until,3 weeks from now. But at least I now have some shoes in the correct size.
It was very interesting. I now wish I'd had my feet measured properly years ago. I'm half a size bigger than I've always worn. Wonder if that is due to menopause or if I've been wearing the wrong shoes for 40 years :-). Really hope it's the former. I'd hate to think that I've caused this issue by stupidity.
I was pleasantly surprised by some of the really lovely shoes and boots. Expensive mind you.
CLKD I'm like that with gloves. My hands always feel cold in gloves :-)
Noheroics, I started HRT 3 months ago (prior to osteopenia diagnosis), for other reasons. I'm 3 years post-meno - everything seems to be hitting me now rather than in peri. Hoping the HRT will help my bones as well as the other things. Dr prescribed calcium and vitamin d, and I'm trying to maintain exercise ... hence this issue with my feet. All the walking has aggravated the arthritis in my toes. Seems that I can't win. I try to lead a healthy lifestyle but am thwarted at every turn. :)
Cat71 which A Vogel cream is it that you use?
X
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I have OA in the base of my big toe on my left foot. Sometimes it radiates to the toe next door. I'm a former runner (bad knees stopped that) and I think that's where it may have developed. I have a muscle imbalance on my right side so I was overcompensating on my left so that put extra strain on my left foot as I ran. I am always wearing well-cushioned running shoes so that really helps. I am no longer running but I do quite a bit of walking and it will flair up during a walk but thankfully it settles down on its own. I am not currently treating it but when it flairs up I usually apply an analgesic cream or take an Aleve if it's bad. I find damp and cold weather really makes it worse.
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As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax which includes the feet - dropped arches!
I hate spending time buying shoes ............
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Hi Catcc ... it’s Atrogel Arnica Gel. Sorry I didn’t give the full name before.
Glad you got some good shoes and a good experience!
I’ve been taking vit D in spray form. That and giving up dark chocolate seems to have put an end to my headaches and migraines which I had constantly for 2 weeks! My doc got me and my daughter to have a Covid test because she was concerned about my head. Thankfully our tests were negative!
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Good job that you got your footwear sorted!
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Hi
Thanks CC. Glad you're managing to lead an active life with it.. My big fear is not being able to walk. I'm not particularly happy about the idea of having to give up skiing, dancing etc ... but, if it comes to that, I'll cope. The idea of not being mobile or able to do long walks terrifies me though.
Over the last 3 years I feel like my body's falling apart. I'm absolutely hating post-menopausal life! Every month a new ailment. Hate it! I'm off to physio today re knee and hip pain too (may well be associated with feet issues). 2 year ago I would ski, dance, swim, gym without a second thought.
Cat71 glad the covid tests were negative.
Migraines are no fun! I love dark chocolate too, but can't eat a lot of it.
Wore my new boots yesterday. I love them :)
X
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'Photos of the boots ? :D
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They look like Doc Martens (but they have special rocker soles - but you wouldn't notice just by looking at them). They are called Stretchwalkers. I love them! Comfy too :) Not cheap though
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R U able to get them re-soled/heel free some Companies do a scheme for expensive footwear - it's in the original price. Apparently.
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So glad you are loving your new boots CatCC. I bought a stylish pair of wedge boots from Hotter last year and they are still going strong! They have Velcro strap fasteners with buckle detail. The wedges are like a plastic so do not wear very quickly. They look nice with jeans or above the knee skirts with tights.
I hope the pain is easing off now??? Xx
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Hi Cat71
Hope you're still headache-free.
Haven't been far in boots. I've got all sorts of joint pain going on at same time just now. Physio said to try a 15 minute walk each day. Only been out a couple of times. Just back from one just now. Managed to stand in some dog s**t! Yay!
:) So have spent last half hour trying to scrape it out of the tread. Someone let their dog poop on our drive and didn't pick it up.
Big toe joint does still hurt a bit. I am really hoping it will get back to how it was before. I'm hating living like a frail old lady. Prior to this, apart from the odd twinge in the toe I've never had joint problems or injuries before.
Next time I'm shoe shopping I'll have a look at Hotter.
Can I ask you, do you have some movement in your big toe joints or are they completely stiff? And do your insoles have an extension underneath the big toe to stop it bending? Thanks
CLKd. It hadn't even crossed my mind re soles/heels.
Xx
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Will the shoe go into the washing machine on a cool rinse cycle? I've done that with hotters and they come out OK. There is no need for owners to leave :scottie: poop behind :bang: :bang: :bang:
Aches and pains may be compensatory due to the new footwear?
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Another vote for Hotters here - very good prices in sales, sign up for newsletter! On the toes front, I did have a lot of pain in my big toe, but turned out it was a corn under the nail....and my feet spread generally post menopause. Toes much better since getting oestrogen to right level and getting supportive shoes which didn't pinch....
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Hi Katy
Thanks. It's really reassuring what you say re oestrogen. I've just increased patch dose as wasn't absorbing well. Hopefully my feet will feel the benefit when I get to correct level.
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Feet arches drop due to lack of oestrogen .........
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Hi CatCC,
Sorry to read you are still in pain.
I can sometimes have weeks on end with pain and then months without any! It’s the same with my knees. Not sure if your foot specialist told you, but the insoles take a little getting used to, your feet need to adapt to the new shape of those inside your shoes. Mine suggested walking around in the house in them first. So, don’t give up, it could just be where your toes are getting used to the change!
Yes my insoles kind of have bumps under them in various places!
Did you try the arnica gel??
My toes don’t go rigid, but that’s because I CLICK them when they get stuck! When the joints get stuck I bend the toes until I hear and feel them click. It hurts as you release the joint but feels much better afterwards. I think if I didn’t click them that they would totally fuse up. My X-rays showed that I have spiky bits of bone (burrs) around the joints ... where my body is trying to heal them. It’s these that get stuck! Xxx
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? bursitis ? inflammation? It may be the bursa popping ! :o
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That sounds awful! I could have an op but was told it’s not always successful and usually only works temporarily. They would drill off the burrs or fuse the joints together! The other option is painful steroid injections. I will pass unless it ever gets excruciating x
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Fusing means that the joints don't move = no pain. Steroid injections can work but OUCH!
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Yes ouch! I really don’t want to lose the movement I still have in those big toes of mine. If it was horrendous all the time I’d consider it 😀
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Hi Cat71
Like you I think fusing the joint would be a last option.
Haven't tried the arnica gel yet. The toe has been a lot better as I've not been walking much. Struggling with sinusitis/migraine type headaches this last week so have been pretty immobile. I'm falling apart :). It took my mind off my feet though 😂.
I picked up the insoles the other day with instructions on how to get used to them. Wow. They feel so strange. But I can see how they could be very helpful. Slowly getting used to them. They should help knees too. Bought some shoes from Hotter so hoping they'll be ok.
Hope you continue to be pain free.
X
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Hotter shoes are good CatCC ... you can take their insoles out and put your own in. I could do the same with my Fly boots! Not all shoes/brands have removable soles so you need to check before you buy. Hope your new ones feel nice!
Yes, should help our knees too sweetie as we’ll be positioning our feet better with the insoles.
I had 2 weeks of aura migraines (no pain) and headache recently. Thankfully passed now. I’ve been taking oral vit D spray and cut down on dark chocolate. I bought some cacao nibs today which have magnesium, manganese, copper and iron plus lots of antioxidants and things that reduce inflammation markers! I will be sprinkling it on cereals and Greek yoghurt etc. Meant to be good for preventing several cancers too. I’m also having flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and linseeds. All part of my new healthy eating programme. I started a NOOM programme 8 weeks ago and have lost just under a stone so far! My digestive system is soooo much better. No acid or indigestion now. Xx
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I remember you saying about the chocolate so I haven't had any dark chocolate for a week. I'll look into the cacao nibs. They sound good. I'm a massive fan of flaxseed. It's totally transformed my digestion.
Well done on losing a stone. :) X
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cacao nibs. 2 bitter for me. Why would they prevent cancers :-\ ? is there any research on these. Flaxseeds are supposedly good but I couldn't get them to grind down :o. I do grow flax though ..... it's a pretty blue flower used for oils or the making of linen.
Chocolate and cheese are known migraine triggers.
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Yes CKLD - just Google cacao nibs benefits or similar. They are very bitter so I just sprinkle 5g along with various seeds! I don’t mind having whole flax seeds. I put them in yoghurt and on overnight oats.
Thanks CatCC. I’m in the midst of making changes for life. Aiming for 10,000 daily step count too. Don’t forget the vit D spray! Xx
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cacao-nibs
For you CKLD ... long article but worth reading 🧐
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:thankyou:
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Welcome honey ❤️