Golf, gout and a bunion: anyone else?

[DavidY]

LONG RANT...

A couple of weeks ago, after a round of 18, my right foot started hurting. My golf shoes were pretty new, probably my second time out with them (fitted with orthotics and no bottom insert)....it's a tight fit which probably triggered my foot problem.

Some background....my gout has been held in check with an improved diet for the past several months....until just recently. Now gout plus a bunion appears to have curtailed my enjoyment of golf. Was planning to golf a par 3 course with a bunch of my co-workers tomorrow. Having to drag my right foot around while walking/limping is hard enough right now....golfing as a high handicapper with this condition would unfortunately be outrageous. :( Even my prescription painkillers aren't doing much. Am having a followup appointment with my doctor tomorrow....hope that I don't need bunion surgery. Cannot even think about be off work, my foot and golf for six or more weeks if I need the surgery.

Anyone here been thru this before? The pain due to gout and/or bunion has been almost unbearable so far....and remains my biggest concern.

Dave

[leftintherough]

I'm there with you Dave.

My gout was so bad last year that I missed most of the season. Seem to have reasonably under check using a combo of meds and diet.

[goodfellow]

LONG RANT...

A couple of weeks ago, after a round of 18, my right foot started hurting. My golf shoes were pretty new, probably my second time out with them (fitted with orthotics and no bottom insert)....it's a tight fit which probably triggered my foot problem.

Some background....my gout has been held in check with an improved diet for the past several months....until just recently. Now gout plus a bunion appears to have curtailed my enjoyment of golf. Was planning to golf a par 3 course with a bunch of my co-workers tomorrow. Having to drag my right foot around while walking/limping is hard enough right now....golfing as a high handicapper with this condition would unfortunately be outrageous. :( Even my prescription painkillers aren't doing much. Am having a followup appointment with my doctor tomorrow....hope that I don't need bunion surgery. Cannot even think about be off work, my foot and golf for six or more weeks if I need the surgery.

Anyone here been thru this before? The pain due to gout and/or bunion has been almost unbearable so far....and remains my biggest concern.

Dave

I literally share your pain. I've suffered from gout for the last few years, but rely on drugs to keep it down, not just diet. After all, if God hadn't wanted us to use drugs then he wouldn't have invented pharmacies, would he ? Allopurinol, 200mg each day. Works like a dream - the only time I've had an attack since starting was after a weekend when I forgot to take the medication. Can't help with the bunion though.

[pir2]

Not sure how you feel about chinese herbal medicines, but my dad has terrible gout and eats a VERY limited diet.

every so often he takes herbal medicine to keep things in the body balanced(tastes REALLY bad if you're not used to it).

tho he sometimes needs to take the pills, when he decides to eat something he shouldn't, the herbal medicine and a restricted diet keeps him from crawling.

one reason, other than believing in herbal medicines, is the fact that if you continually take the pills, your body begins to adjust to it, and eventually you'll need a higher dosage.

i just hope i'm lucky enough not to inherit his pain :|

[mikep]

I use Mentholatum Deep Cold with Arthritis Formula before and after a game. It seem to help.I

[DavidY]

Thanks for all the replies.

Prior to the last year, I was on Allopurinol...was 200mg and then increased to 300mg or so. Last year, I had switched to prescription painkillers on as needed basis.....one month's supply lasted over a year. Thought that I had the gout in check.

It is likely that I will probably have to go back to Allopurinol or something.

Since I live quite a distance from Vancouver, chinese herbal medicines are unfortunately not an option at this time. May consult with my doctor about other herbal medicine though.

Will probably try shopping for a pair of golf sandals too.

Dave

[Faemow]

When I worked at a golf course last season, one of the Golf Teaching Pros had a severe case of gout. It doesnt' help that after tournaments there's a lot of leftover steaks and primeribs either. Well being on a strict beer, red meat and cigarette diet, he woke up one day and he couldn't walk. The entire season his nickname was limpy because he always hobbled around with his 7Iron as his cane. Closer to the end of the season he gradually became a vegetarian.

[ybcuz]

This is might sound hokey but it worked for me.

I've had gout for about four years, would get it an "attack" every four months or so and it would last about a week if I took the med's.
I purchased a magnetic bracelet (Serenity 2000) for about $90 about two years ago and changed nothing else(diet, exercise etc). Since purchasing the bracelet I have had one minor "attack" after a BIG night of beer drinking and rich seafood, took two days for the swelling and pain to go away with the meds.

Hope this helps!