[New shoot]

Has the doctor checked al78 or is that just a 'its probably ...' diagnosis ?

Just asking because OH had the same at around your age and it turned out to be gout, which he subsequently found out has surfaced regularly in his family.  The pain is crystals forming in the joints and if left untreated it can cause damage and bring on arthritis.  Big toes are often where it starts.

He was a bit put out as he's not known for quaffing flagons of wine or devouring whole joints straight from the bone, but it is actually hereditary and can skip generations.

[Auntiemogs]

I am no spring chicken any more ,so i have to look after the old joints,also i am waiting for my hip revision,it was done 6yrs ago and nothing but trouble,then i found out 18 months ago,it has not been but in straight .
And that 18 months ago was the last time i heard any thing from the hospital ,i have been using a stick to help me get around.

I would get on to your GP and/or PALS at your hospital Lillileaf.  18 months without a word if far too long (they're probably hoping that you'll go away), and won't be good for the rest of your muscles/joints....

Not just for winter but all year round I have a tablespoon of ground turmeric mixed into yogurt with a grind of black pepper. Wasn't sure if it was still effective so last January I stopped taking it for a month, when I started again the next morning my hands felt so much better.

I've just bought some tumeric with black pepper and ginger Blewit, so fingers crossed!  I'd love to cut down on my pain meds, and it is supposed to be very good for inflammation. 

[Blewit]

Following advice on this thread Aunty, I've also started having a glass of pineapple juice each morning and pleased to say that's making a difference too. Have also bought some glucosamine tabs but only started taking them yesterday. Hope the turmeric works for you, they use it for race horses as well, thoroughbreds of course so we're in good company