How can I protect my joints?

[AmandaMc]

Feet have been bad for ages and I was trying to walk around a lot before I knew it was RA. For example I walked round Prague on a school trip (I'm a teacher) for two days. Now I'm not sure what to do. Should I try to get crutches or something? I'm off work right now but worried about when I'm back.

[Philip]

I use crutches most of the time but when my feet and ankles get very bad then crutches down and use my wheelchair as sometimes you just have to get off them feet.best of luck

Philip

[AmandaMc in reply to Philip]

Thanks Philip. Can I ask my GP for crutches? Hope your feet aren't too bad at present.

[Philip in reply to AmandaMc]

Yes and you should be referred to the occupation therapists, from there if you need it then ask lol, I got my wheelchair through them also. Thank you, I'm still suffering lol but ain't that normal lol, I hope you get sorted very soon.

Philip

[AmandaMc in reply to Philip]

Great thanks- I will ask!

[Beaches2]

I put shock absorbing insoles into all my shoes,( even my slippers as I have some wood floor at home). Every bit of shock they absorb is a bit less on my joints,so less chance of damage. Buy them in most chemists.x

[Beaches2]

Hi again

Sorry forgot to add that if you haven't already done so, make sure your employer knows about your diagnosis. Rheumatoid is recognised under the equality act and so they should make any reasonable adjustments for you such as making sure you can sit down when you need to. X

[wishbone]

Could take some time, but you could ask your GP to refer you to a podiatrist to see if custom made orthodontic insoles will help.

I am currently in the process of having some made.The podiatrist said that it will take some time as it's trial and error before she will be able to to find the best support for my feet.

[hatshepsut]

You can also get custom made shoes from the podiatrist. They used to look awful, but now styles are much improved. They have been a godsend to me, walking is much easier, feet are properly supported and comfortable. M x

[Hidden]

If it takes a long time to get to see a podiatrist in your area you could find one who is NHS and see them privately for the first visit to speed things up. If possible see a podiatrist who specialises in rheumatoid foot problems - your specialist nurse might be able to recommend someone good. I find it hard to walk on hard surfaces for any long distance these days - grass is fine but pavements and roads have me hobbling within about ten minutes. The impact on the joints on your feet needs to be reduced by orthotics or shoes with built in support. Sketchers and FitFlops are both good for this but a good podiatrist is worth their weight in gold!

[AmandaMc]

Yeah that's how I am- my feet are so sore! I had to walk round Prague on a school trip for two days and it was very painful I will ask my consultant about a podiatrist!

[nomoreheels]

If it's your feet you have particular issue with, as I do, I would recommend Fly Flots. I live in them. They have a really good shock absorbing sole & feel like you're walking on marshmallows. The soles on the shoes aren't quite so squishy as I think they're made under licence by another company, though having said that I found some ankle boots last autumn & they've been fine & worn them all winter. If you can walk in mules they're good as are the slippers, sandals & toeposts if you're not bothered about showing freaky toes like me!! I don't care as long as I can walk with less discomfort!