Osteoarthritis in foot @ 26. Any advice please?

I have today had the result of a foot x ray which is showing osteoarthritis. I have had pain in my big toe and foot for a couple of months and have been limping a lot, and unable to do exercise. I have been busy moving home and thought it would go away. I am upset as it is associated with older people. I am worried that it is not just in my foot, as I often complain of having 'aching bones' (which most people laugh at because it sounds funny from someone my age). I am going back to my GP to ask for tests. Can anyone give me any advice please?

Hi - I'm 21. I started suffering with joint problems as a kid, grew out of it in my teens, then bang, last year it was back, with avengance. I know what you mean about the embarrasment, I hate having to tell people, but you have to not let it bother you when people assume its for older people - a lot of young people suffer with it too.
Some of my top tips.
1. Keep warm - this helps prevent ahces and pains - and when you get them sitting with the appropriate bits in front of a heater or something is great.
2. Take ibuprofen - maybe prescribed anti-inflammatories will work for you, but I've tried em all and they ruin your stomach - Ibuprofen is a NSAID (Non-steroid anti inflammatory) just the same, but its really cheap. you don't need a prescription and it doesn't have so many side effects.
3. That said, be really careful about how many you take - it can work wonders if you take them regularly but NSAIDs can really damage your stomach lining (I've brought up blood in the past) and also over the longer term ruin your kidney and liver.
4. Look after yourself - this doesn't mean not doing anything but if its in your feet, then wearing sensible shoes as much as possible, if you find yourself with problems else where then do think of practical solutions e.g. mine's in my hands badly so i always take a back pack for shopping, and alternate between hand writing and typing.
5. Gentle exercise is really important for keeping fit - a nice walk, or swimming is great as it supports you, avoid high impact sports like running.
6. Keep healthy - glucosamine sulphate helps keep joints healthy, as does having a good diet, I take multivitamins as well just to make sure I'm not missing out - I've heard flaxseed oil is helpful - trad. remedies are good, but avoid all the wonder cures they try and sell you on the net, they're a complete waste of money. You can find go stuff and advice at holland and barratt.
7. Keep positive. There'll be points when its really bad, especially winter if yours is weather dependent, but equally you'll have better bits, e.g. summer.
Good luck - if you have any questions then please send me an email. peacex

Well.. I believe if you drink Cranberry juice...alot of it now. It can help with gout and other foot pain.
Also stay away from Onions. A change of diet may possibly help. My friend works in all this natural remedies clinic and it's actually very interesting to see the results.. Google some stuff about your condition with natural remedies
Good luck

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar!! I have had great results from taking about one tablespoon of this 3 times a day. Arthritis is caused by acid crystals collecting in your joints and the apple cider vinegar liquefies the acid and it passes from your system. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is a good brand.

Osteoarthritis is a loss of calcium in the bones, on an X-ray is shows the bones very pale and nearly see through. Normal treatment is a calcium additive or vitamin and mineral pills with a higher percentage of bone building minerals.

When osteoarthritis occurs in younger adults, it may be due to an underlying condition. This is called secondary osteoarthritis. Causes of secondary osteoarthritis include:

Metabolic disorders that damage cartilage, such as hemochromatosis and ochronosis
Prior joint injury or surgery
Prior avascular necrosis, a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to bone
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and congenital hip dislocation
Hypermobility disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Chronic joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Prior joint infection (septic arthritis)
Treatment of secondary osteoarthritis is directed at the underlying cause when possible. However, treatment may not repair joint damage from osteoarthritis.

Here is a list of tips to naturally treat osteoarthritis!

1. Did you know that 80% of the world's population is walking around dehydrated? Instead of drinking water we have become consumers of soda, tea, coffee, juices or anything with flavor. Unfortunately, most of these drinks (containing caffeine) cause your body to lose water and create a vicious cycle of dehydration and poor health. As water drains the toxin and impurities of your body, it will also begin to naturally treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis. You should start drinking at least 10-12 tall glasses of water a day.

2. A body flush! Did you know that fasting and flushing the body is biblical. It is actually commanded to routinely fast for spiritual and physical purposes in the Bible. And it will also greatly help you in your struggle with arthritis. It would be recommended to take a monthly fast (drinking only water or natural juices) to naturally flush the body of arthritic causing alkalines. Your body will thank you!

3. Your nutrition! Your diet is the biggest factor contributing to whether you will struggle or be free of arthritis. A good rule of thumb is to always eat fresh, raw foods with as little of processing as possible. You should be eating as much water-soluble fiber as possible which includes: fresh fruits and raw vegetables.

4. Foods that Hurt! These types of foods will create havoc to your arthritis pain and inflammation. Stay away from fast foods, processed foods, sugars and desserts. Do your best at finding healthy foods and you will notice a difference in 2 weeks.

5. Breathing! I know it sounds goofy to focus on your breathing but oxygen heals. And unfortunately, most people are not getting enough of it because of improper posture and stress. To learn some simple breathing exercises you can do at work, please check out our website which will lead you to our step-by-step report.

6. And exercise! If you are serious about treating arthritis; we guarantee that you will be feeling good enough to start exercising in three weeks. And exercise will eventually take stress off of joints by building muscle mass.