I feel like I'm going mad. I've had a painful hand and a trigger ring finger since May (I get sharp pains in the palm of my hand), my arm is also painful in the forearm and around the elbow. My Achilles' tendon is also painful on the same, right, side as is my right foot. The second and third toes of my right foot swell if I walk a long way and I am getting pain in the ball of my right foot. GP has prescribed anti depressants! Help please!
GP prescribed anti depressants, for these issues??? Is he a GP or a Mechanic???
It's a female GP. She said she could 'only' talk about my hand OR my ankle/foot but we ended up talking more generally about how frustrated I was feeling because I've gone from being a fit, active 60 year old to feeling disabled and the next thing we're out of time and why don't I try these anti depressants. Different GP gave me painkillers in June. I am feeling really upset and don't know how to get myself heard.
Go to MRI Emergency, and tell them what going on with you!! You need a proper treatment!! Anti depressant will not kill your pain. Such an idiot GP!!!
Take it seriously!!!
Hi Ann, are you in the UK? If so, [and you are in England] you could try PALS
Ann, are you taking any drugs, other than the anti depressants, which I believe you aren't taking?
Some drugs cause side effects like the ones you describe.
I'm certainly not taking the anti-depressants, I'm not depressed! I don't take anything other than occasional vitamins or Ibuprofen. However, I've been reading on the web and I can see that there is an association between the symptoms I've got and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and hypothyroid. The GP did tests which she said were all negative. The thyroid was 'in the middle range', she wouldn't even tell me the exact results. I've got a branch of the family all diabetic so I wonder. The GP was dismissive, it's not a great practice, perhaps I need to ask to see my records and/or change practice. Thanks to you people who have replied.
I have found doctors to be dismissive when they don't know what to do next. I have much more respect for the doctors who say 'I don't know'.
Do you know about the reputation of any other Practices in your area?
My GP referred me to the Physios when I complained of Achilles tendonitis and, funnily enough, an appt has just arrived.
Hi Anne,
Sounds like you’re getting some tennis elbow as a repercussion of the trigger finger pain. This need to be surgically taken out/ trimmed back. It’s like a noted rope being pulled through a pulley.
The foot could be a number of things. Separate conditions that have come on over time. Big toe could be bunions development, turf toe or gout.
Ball of your foot is likely to be plantar fasciitis. This is likely to develop as the walking style changes due to pain in the big toe.
My suggestion would be ESWT treatment for heel and a 1st MTP joint protocol for big toe pain. However, you need to either get a referral or see someone privately.
PS: Diabetes and Rheumatoid arthritis are impossible as both affect both limbs symmetrically. Most of your pains are on one side. :-)