Foot and heel problems

[Talmalmo]

Hello. I haven't posted for ages but I really get a lot from reading these posts so thank you. Right now I am in lots of pain and this time its moved to my feet and heel area (as well as the general hands, elbows etc). I was wondering what others might do to help with the heel pain and inflammation...it really does hurt and Im scared its going to stop me from getting around.

I'm already having regular Rituximab infusions and Methotrexate and prednisone...running out of options after trying quite a few other biologics etc.

Thanks for your ideas

[Nettac]

Is it your actual heal or the achilles? If it's the achilles (agony!) there are specific exercises that help. Also shoe inserts that are raised. I get tendinitis so I know about this.

Under the heal don't know I'm afraid.

[Talmalmo in reply to Nettac]

Thank you...its the Achilles and it hurts like hell ! Sometimes feels like its on fire. I do try to do stretches but its so sore..even to touch and really swollen.

[DiHi in reply to Nettac]

Mines down to spurs-bones rubbing together! Horrible to even think about , let alone happening,good luck

[Ali_H]

I would get it checked out ASAP if I were you and see what’s going on.

Ali

[Talmalmo in reply to Ali_H]

Yep, I'll do that real soon...it hurts like hell!

[Ruth12345]

I agree with Ali H

[Talmalmo in reply to Ruth12345]

Thanks Ruth...I will get it checked out next week.

[Kyriew]

I have the same problem My feet are agony most of the time. I went to an podiatrist and it turns out that my arches are dropping (still pretty high compared to others but I danced till I was 15 ) I am awaiting a pair or special insoles which he thinks might help. I find that my rhymmy team are amazing but very much focus on hands not feet. xx

[Talmalmo]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't had this as a RA problem before now so look forward to talking with my rheumatologist about it soon...will see if he takes any notice...I hope so, as its really hurting and starting to freak me out a bit...scared I won't be able to walk around at all.

[Nettac]

Yes achilles tendinitis is agony. I had a partial tear too...ouch! It's very common in psoriatic arthritis. Both mine were red and swollen for over a year before anyone did anything. Don't wait that long!

Mine have never been quite right since, and my ankles are weak as a result. You really do have to be vigilant in the exercises given. However, this is really difficult when they are inflamed. Do see a doctor and ask for physio referral. I do exercises every day. Raising upon tip toes is one exercise I was given. There are others of course.

[wannabhealthy]

Hi Talmalmo

I understand what you are going through. My left ankle and foot is my biggest problem aside from my elbows, wrists and fingers and knees. This was my first big indicator of RA, when 4 years ago my swollen, painful ankles and feet caused me to limp and I kept stumbling.

I could barely stand and after walking for a few minutes, my feet and ankles felt as though they were on fire and looked and felt as though they were broken. Extremely painful.

Six months of complaints later and a scan on my ankle, I received a steroid injection into the ankle bone which relieved the pain for a few weeks. I was then prescribed raised instep orthopaedic shoes for support and a course of hydrotherapy which helped.

I have only ever been prescribed sulfa, hydroxy, MTX and painkillers. The ankle/foot problem recurs after short periods of standing or walking. However, I have my annual RA clinic appointment next month and I will bring up this issue again.

On your next visit to RA clinic, you should request a scan to reveal the inflammation in your feet, even if your bloods are normal. This will then trigger the course of actions for help.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Talmalmo in reply to wannabhealthy]

Thanks for your thoughts. I will definitely ask for a scan when I go to Melbourne next week to see my specialist. Will keep you up to date with how it goes. Its strange how some areas of pain effect us more than other areas...I think with me the idea of having to not walk really scares me...more than most of the other stuff I've had to deal with. Anyway, hopefully we might find a way through this.