Question
hi, i have been suffering with pain in my left foot since Febuary this year, at first it felt like i had just banged it or something as it was sore to touch on top and struggled to walk and was suffering with a strange pain near my toes an further up my foot.
The pain just went worse and worse and i was working abroad in a bar doing 8/9 hour shifts 6days a week, constantly running around on my feet. About 6wks ago i had 2 leave my job as i couldnt stand being on my feet for more than 30mins - 1hour.
So i came back to the UK and saw a specilist who told me i had synovitis (because i was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 4years ago) I have been given anti inflammatorys and a slow releasing pain killer, but takes 12 week to get into my system properly. The pain is not as strong, but i have gone back to my job and feel my foot starting to hurt again after 6hours or so. I am worried i am going to do more damage staying in this job and do you think it is a good idea to find a different job were i am not on my feet as much and for long hours, as i am only 20 and do not want long term damage.

Please give me any advise you can about how to help the pain or prevent any more damage as i have heard of severe conditions of synovitis if it is not treated well.

Chelsee

Answer
Chelsee,

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering with this at such a young age. Synovitis is where the synovial lining of the joint gets inflamed. There is little chance that during the time it takes to get the inflammation down that you will do any permanent damage. While the condition is painful it is not like having bone rubbing against bone. If you can spend less time on your feet you will most likely heal faster. As long as you are on your feet you are irritating the effected synovial tissue.

In the long run with a diagnosis of RA, finding a job that does not require you to be on your feet all day would be good idea. RA can cause synoivitis at any time in any joint. It can also cause severe inflammation in many of your joints. It is a good idea to make sure your condition is managed by a rheumatologist. Staying ahead of this disease is important.

IF you take care of your self and make sure the RA is managed well you should have many years with only minor problems. There is no guarantee in this because RA affects every person differently and can become a serious disease but with most people it can be managed successfully.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/Rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms/index.htm