Arthritis in feet: All of the blogs posted... - Arthritis Action

Arthritis Action

7,510 members2,100 posts

Arthritis in feet

Nimmypuss profile image
31 Replies

All of the blogs posted,refer to hips,knees,hands,is there anyone out there with arthritis in feet,I can hardly walk,please say there is,any advise or help would be invaluable,I have suffered for two years and need to work,so worried about the future,

Nimmy puss

Written by
Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
31 Replies

yes me, I do have osteoarthritis in my back & hands & also have a new knee, but it started in one foot & I now have it in both feet. It started in my feet about 5 years ago and has slowly got worse. It is a little easier for walking when I wear my rocker trainers I get a little further then (not very far in flat shoes) by the time the evening comes and I've been on my feet on and off quite a bit it is as much as I can do to walk from one room to another it's so painful & getting out of bed in the AM too. the only thing that really helped me was NSAIDS but was only allowed to stay on them for 3 months because of my age and other medication. Hope things go well with you

in reply to

Hi

I did read of an enzyme called serrapeptase being helpful for pain relief, google serrapeptase blog-post/rheumatoid-arthritis-pain-relief.Hope this helps.

LesBev profile image
LesBev

Hi. My RA started in my hands and feet but my feet are by far the most painful.

I have found by trial and error that a strong anti-inflammatory gel from my GP with silicone toe separators (under £3 on eBay) is the best solution.

I also sleep in toe separator socks (Amazon)

I’ve no idea why holding my toes slightly apart stops a lot of pain but it does. Thankfully!

I still have had enough by the afternoon and need a lie down but at least I can function better until then.

Does anyone else have any recommendations?

Wishing everyone on here the best day they can have...X

in reply to LesBev

Thanks, I'm going to try toe socks and see if helps my foot spasms throughout night.

Rosepetal60 profile image
Rosepetal60 in reply to LesBev

Hi LesBev, thanx for the toe separator socks idea, I've ordered some on eBay. And for using the anti inflammatory Gell for direct application to the toe area. ( I'd forgotten about this) I'm wondering if seeing a podiatrist on NHS might help. Perhaps to be fitted for a raised area in insole. I'm seeing my Acupuncturist soon, so I'm hoping he can suggest something. I have this odd feeling, I should know what to do, but my memory has failed me. The weird thing is, I've had no trouble from these toes for some years and now in this last fortnight, it's become so painful walking. ive decided to move back into my winter shoes as summer shoes are very flat and not enough cushioning in the insoles. I can only think this has been part of the problem.

jax53 profile image
jax53

Hi, Nimmypuss, You are not alone, I too have Arthritis in my feet, and I cannot even stand up in the mornings, or throughout the day, and the pain is truly fearsome, I certainly hope you get some relief, keep up with the pain meds, I am not having any chance of NSAIDs because they make me bleed, But I have to make the most of it, Keep your Chin up, and we shall all be thinking of you.

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

You are not alone, not sure I can give much advice to spite having foot arthritis diagnosed since 1992, added to which I now have gout in one foot. I use painkillers, shoe liners, keep walking to a minimum with rests if needs be, tried acupuncture did not work for me. Laser treatment advised but quite expensive as not available on NHS. Always wear flat shoes or trainers, keep feet warm, but for some ice packs help pain. I cannot take nsaids due to lung problems so take small doses of tramadol when bad or short course of nsaids, can't use aspirins either due to gout. Have you tried foot massage? I find it helps a little, soaking in warm water helps too but not for long. Walking at least keeps the circulation going so I would say little and often. Sorry theres no wonder cure but try all things till you find what gives you the most relief.

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to katieoxo60

Thankyou so much for your help,will certainly try all of your advise,anything to take a way the pain.just a nightmare as I have to work.thankyou again.

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60 in reply to Nimmypuss

You are very welcome, hope something in there helps.

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie

sorry for your pain, know how u feel. Feet don't count in assessments for RA!! I find that infuriating as this developed first in feet and hands. 2015 woke up vomitin, unable to walk , feet like elephant, swollen. ambulance to A&E, tested for food poisoning, v v bright young medic asked 'anything else' , saw my feet sent for boss, i asked RA? he asked who my rheumatologist was. told him had none... within a day i did and after nearly 3 wks cme home in w/chair. I found steroids, ibuprofen helped, but had to cut these out, so used feldene gel which helped. Orthotics were made and these, with velcro ankle boots have helped enormously. [look at pavers online]. so first try gel, ask gp/hospital for a referral for orthotics as flat feet can increase the pain. Complain !! sorry 4 typos [fat fingers as RA in hands but improving on biosimilar med] Best of luck 2u xox

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to GranAmie

Thankyou so much for your advice,I will try all.of your suggestions,god you have been through the mill,sorry for your pain too.no one understands how bad it is .take care my love.

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie in reply to Nimmypuss

thankyou, but am doing well now - it was my doc prescribing statins that began the vomiting so in a way i was lucky to get sorted so rapidly [usually at least a 6month wait for 1st appt ! - and with low bp and lo cholesterol i didn't need statins anyway LOL. 4got to say i was told never to west flat shoes with flat feet... always 'sensible' shoes with 1 - 2.5 inch heels. Also - try warm water with Epsom salts for those feet. Bliss xox

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

Might be Mortons Nuromas thats like walking on broken glass ? agony and even more agony. Ask to see an orthapedic surgeon as they can be injected but surgery is by far the best solution. please don't assume its OA or RA but the conition is linked to RA. My surgeons advive was no to flat shoes but have small heels, supportive shoes and no to soft shoes as they don't support the feet. The problem with off the shelf stuff is it may hide a more serious issue or in the long term make it worse.

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to medway-lady

Thankyou my love for your advice,I will be having the injections but am waiting surgery.cant believe how my life has changed due to my condition.I am so sorry you suffer too.take care,and thankyou again,

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to Nimmypuss

I've had the operation twice in 20 years and foot straightened as RA had turned it in. Great got a pair of lovely feet and wear heels and dance the night away. Worth getting done.

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to medway-lady

Oh I am so happy for you,you give me hope,thankyou.x

Crazymama146 profile image
Crazymama146

Hi, I have arthritis in both feet and ankles due to a car crash nearly 30 years ago. Arthritis set in about 20 years ago and has steadily got worse. The past 2 years ive had to increase pain killers, co-codamol and codeine etc. I have not gone to the gym since May and have consequently put on weight which also has a knock on effect on my feet. In an effort to break the 'weight gain/pain' cycle, I have asked my gp to refer me to the hospital to see if there is any up to date meds or treatment that I can have. I am 57 and not ready for my wheelchair yet. GP refused, but referred my to the Physio. Physio said my injuries were too old to work with, but I was fortunate in that the Physio has her own acupuncture clinic. I am allowed 4 sessions on the NHS of which I've had 3, and it does seems to be helping. Since starting I've been back to the gym a couple of times. After this week's session, I will pay £38 a go to continue, and I am signed up for 6 private sessions. If this stops working, I will asked to be referred back to the hospital again, but I am hopefully. Maybe you should give acupuncture a go. Best of luck to you

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to Crazymama146

Thankyou for your advice,so sorry your suffering too.I have days when I could just cry all day,I will try acupuncture certainly,anything for pain relief.I am glad it has helped you.do take care,thanx again.

Crazymama146 profile image
Crazymama146 in reply to Nimmypuss

Hi again, further to my previous post; i may be stating the obvious, but I have found good planning helps. Not too much but not too little foot useage. For example, I can't stand and iron or walk around the supermarket on a day that I'm working or by the time I go to work, I can't walk properly, so I keep a notebook and plan my days. Boring, but I do anything i can that helps reduce the pain. Maybe you could try this too?

BeeBee50 profile image
BeeBee50

Bless you I can feel your pain as my arthritis has started more frequently in my foot/feet....and it's very debilitating!! I have no help either as at 52 I have no family, friends don't come to see me anymore and neighbours wouldn't know if I were dead or alive!! But I have always been there for them and their tears. I'm a good listener stay in touch 😊

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss in reply to BeeBee50

Thankyou so much,I feel for you,the pain is deadful,as you know,bless you,wish we had a magic cure,take care,nimmy puss

BeeBee50 profile image
BeeBee50 in reply to Nimmypuss

You're welcome and I wish there was just one pill to take each day. Less appointments etc. Never thought I'd go from a happy independent woman to this....kinda hurts more than the physical pain sometimes, oh well you take care too X

Helloshelly profile image
Helloshelly in reply to BeeBee50

It's a new season B. At least, that is what I choose to understand. A new season, like that young adult life season. New season . . . New perspective . You are a happy independent woman!

NanaFifi profile image
NanaFifi in reply to BeeBee50

Bless you BeeBee50, I do t know how you cope. I would never manage without my family and friends. I do hope you get some support from all the lovely people here on HealthUnlocked xx

Seenie profile image
Seenie

Nimmypuss, I'm sorry if I've missed something along the way, but have you told us what type of arthritis you have?

Nimmypuss profile image
Nimmypuss

Sorry osteoarthritis x

Kneesandtoes profile image
Kneesandtoes

I got very painful feet in 2002, caused by an air intake in a car we bought. Gradually I worked out how to keep the pain at bay. Firstly I noted that I did not bend my toe joint when walking, so I forced myself to do that. It hurt at first. Aqua aerobics helped as does using the wobble board in the gym and doing toe raises. Woollen socks are a must for me (M&S 70% lambs wool for men). Trainers or lace up shoes with Superfeet inlays are the only shoes I can wear. I have found a clog type shoe I wear indoors. It has a shaped sole giving support to the arches and offloading the toe joint.

Exercise really does help. I do not think much about my feet now. They hurt sometimes, but it goes away.

Catseyes235 profile image
Catseyes235

A few years ago I had hideous pain in soles of feet for quite some time just brought me to a frustrated tearful standstill on way to work. Went to the doc and said I felt like sticking needles in my feet, like wanting to let the pain out or something. Anyway my doctor said he'd just been on an acupuncture course and said we could give it a try. I've been virtually pain free ever since! Worth a try . .acupuncture has 'cured' lower back pain, sciatica and frozen shoulder for me and am going to see if can work for knee pain soon though finding knee supports helping loads. Good luck. I would suggest a trained osteopath who does.acupuncture best as they do long training.

NanaFifi profile image
NanaFifi

Oh yes!! My hands and feet are my worst joints affected by RA. I’ve needed multiple surgeries on my feet including having the metatarsal heads shaved back and my big toe fused. I wouldn’t be without my trainers, Skechers bring my favourite brand st the moment because of the memory foam insoles. I add arch supports too.

I feel for you, it’s sooo painful!!

Supergrannot profile image
Supergrannot

Hi Nimmypuss, yes you are not alone. My arthritis started in my knees at a young age 10 and I now have 2 new knees. Since having my knees I started to get pain in both my feet, ankles, wrists, fingers and now hip and have since had X-rays to confirm its OA. I have had one lot of cortisol injections in my ankle's but they only worked for a month, awaiting my second lot and hope they last longer. I invested in some very expensive shoes (MBT) which helped at first but now the pain increases the further I walk so have now invested in a mobility scooter so I can at least go to the shops with my sisters. I find that Pilates helps a lot with my feet/ankles and I also do a lot of Aqua to keep my joints moving.

JAS9 profile image
JAS9

Good and short video about sesame seeds helping greatly. It's working well for me. My pain is down about 50% since I started a year ago. Nobody seems to know about this, so I'm telling everyone I can!

youtu.be/FshyNZ6a09U

You may also like...

Early signs of arthritis in hands and feet.

ello , I'm a 39 year old man . I've been experiencing aching in the joints of my hands as well as...

Pain in feet rheumatoid arthritis

biologics my feet are swollen.and hurt to walk.tried tramadol cocodaol naproxen nothing really...

Arthritis

seriously. I have arthritis in my big toe knees and back. I have had it about 9 years,I have been...

Arthritis

bottom of my thumb, the part thats on the hand) for a year now really painfuo hurts when i grip move

Arthritis and exercise

first post in this forum, I used to be a Judo coach, but after a right knee arthroscopy 7 years...