I am a 51 year-old female. Started taking Avelox 12 days ago...finished the 10 day dose and am in great pain...have had problems for the past three years...since my first dosage...didn't know what it could do to me and I consider myself to be a well-informed, educated woman. How could I be so trusting to take a medication that I had read about in a book about "good" and "bad" medications? I have had terrible problems with pain in my hips, knees, and now it has traveled to my feet with tingling feelings. Also, since taking the med. have developed pain and swelling in one of my fingers. Have seen a chiropractor and gotten some relief, for the hips. Until tonight, I didn't realize that this drug is so very toxic! I am so upset that I cannot take Penicillin. DO NOT TAKE this drug! I sometimes feel like a cripple. Have seen an orthopedist for the previous knee problems: surgery is not necessary, don't even show signs of severe osteo-arthritis, but have much pain. How can I ever trust the two physicians that have prescribed this to me? Can I find help for my pain and discomfort? I teach small children, and sometimes I can barely walk.