I suffer with arthritis in my feet and back and I can't move as fast as I used to. When I'm in a rush, or can't move as fast as I want to, or when I'm really in pain with my feet, I get very anxious and start to feel ill. I’m really a well person apart from this. I’m 73 and still working. I own a cafe, so it is quite hard work.

Thank you for your message and I am so sorry to hear you are suffering with both pain and anxiety as a result of the pain, especially since you have so many demands both at home and at work. 

I do hope you have, or are able to get some extra support? At the age of 73 whilst it is great and important to be active and enjoying a fulfilling life, our energy reserves are not likely to be as high as they may have been and relaxation and rest are very important to wellbeing. 

You may find my latest blog article helpful to see what can happen when we are under prolonged stress.

In terms of things you could take to help, you could firstly try Devil's Claw, a herbal remedy traditionally used to ease joint and rheumatic pain.  Please see this link to ensure you do not fall into the category of people who cannot take it.

You could also apply Atrogel topically to your feet and back during and at the end of the day.

Acupuncture can also be a great method to help alleviate pain and the following link will help you find a practitioner if this is something you would like to explore further: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/

My colleague Earle writes a very informative blog on muscle and joint pain. He has written a series of articles specifically about  how to deal with pain. It sounds like these could be useful for you to read.

It is also worth noting that pain and stress can be a vicious circle, one exacerbating the other. Everything you can do, to tackle both the issues with pain and the demands in your life could help ease the suffering with both.

For the anxiety you may find it helpful to try Passiflora complex, traditionally used for easing stress and nervous tension. It takes up to a week to feel the benefits and if you have not noticed an improvement after a month, then I suggest exploring an alternative. 

Do come back to me and I can make another suggestion if needed.

The mineral Magnesium might be worth adding in the evening, if you do not take this already. Magnesium helps relax muscles and it is even possible to by flakes for the bath or sprays for the body which can be a great way to help wind down at home at night.

I do hope that this will help you make some in roads into your challenges and that your symptoms begin to lessen. 

Do write again if you have further queries or there is anything else you would like to discuss.

Best wishes