Does anyone suffer from heel pain?
I have sore heels which are very stiff in the morning and evening after resting. I spoke to my rheumatologist and she doesn’t think it is RA related. She thinks I have an inflamed Achilles tendon due to flat feet and poor footwear. I’m not sure since it occurs in both feet. Anyway she says RA rarely affects the Achilles so is sending me for a scan.
Am I the exception that proves the rule or do others have the same issue?
Thanks
Interesting as I used to suffer from Achilles pains for several years and had several steroid injections to quell that inflammation before I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Have a read at the link below
Yep my Achilles are always twice the size never normal so you’re not on your own. Scan should show the specific issue maybe you’ll have a steroid shot to reduce inflammation or something similar. Not that I’ve ever had one had a few in my ankles though.
Hi I have AS I have terrible heel pain . I'm waiting for new insoles prescribed by a private podiatrist while o wait till sept 2019 for an appointment with the bio mechanical podiatrist . My podiatrist is seeing me in an attempt to prevent any further damage to foot joints especially the ankles and big toes . I am loosing so much movement in feet and it is so painful . I managed in the spring to pop the tendon in my calf coming down a step . I thought I'd been shot. I think so much damage is being caused by our gait etc and more pain killers are not the answer . I was advised that surgery will be the probable outcome . Sorry happy post 🌺
Hi Pandorabox
Hmmm sounds strangely like RA to me. Many people with RA have awful foot problems. I have flat feet as well and awful foot problems. My feet problems came on when all the other symptoms came on! So no Rheumatologist can convince me my foot issues are not related.
Good footwear is imperative. I am currently using Sketchers trainers they are sturdy and full of memory foam which is soooo comfortable. Got them online much cheaper than in shop. If you are interested will give you exact type and make.
You should get an urgent Podiatry referral as you have RA you will be able to jump the queue waiting weeks rather than months!
A good physio might be able to advise you as well. Pleased to hear you are getting a scan.
Good luck 😉
Sketchers are very comfy. Unfortunately the insoles can't be removed to insert custom made insoles if you eventually have some made by podiatry.
I had Achilles tendonitis (both feet) for about a year. It was agony! Was later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
You need to get good shoes with a insole with raised heel. Also exercises are a must.
I had trouble with my achilles in my right foot only, I never received any specific treatment for it, it seemed to go on for a long time, but I have not had it now for a while and it seems to have gone, strangely after I had a knee replacement. I constantly suffered with a Bakers cyst and the achilles problem, I am on low dose prednisilione, so maybe that is keeping it at bay now.
Hello Again
Thanks for replying to my post.
The message I seem to be getting is that this is a common thing and I need to get a referral to a podiatrist.
The rheumatologist gave me a sheet with some specific physio exercises for the Achilles. I have to do them twice a day and hopefully this will strengthen my tendon.
She seemed to think the issue with the heel is mechanical. She thinks the RA has contributed to the flat feet which is now affecting the tendon. She has also told me to get trainer like shoes with a heel.
Should I go to my GP for a referral to a podiatrist? In the mornings I walk like John Wayne!!! I’m also wondering if I should see a physio to ensure I exercise correctly.
Stormpeteral can you please send me the link for the Sketchers?
It also depends on your trusts criteria . Ours will only see you diabetes or foot ulcer . I paid privately to see a podiatrist best thing I ever did . She checked out feet, calves etc . She advised me to ask for a referral to bio mechanical podiatry . So I asked CNS explained everything she sai and she referred me. The podiatrist recommended me insoles proper Ines whilst I'm waiting to see the bio mechanical lady . The CNS said to me oh that must have been expensive . My reply was it was Money well spent especially to check the damage and stiffness and I would do it and will do it again . Best £40.00 I've spent to keep me on two feet 💐
Hi hun, I had the exact same problem that only started when I started with RD and now on methotrexate it doesn't bother me anymore so I do think it's related definitely!!!
My left heel has been sore for a week or so, I've been trying to ignore it. But this morning my Achilles has decided to join the party too. Interesting reading your posts, I'm sure it has to be RD related.
Ouch! That sounds sore. Have you been to see your GP yet?
Mine bothered me for months as I just assumed it was RD related so only mentioned it at my routine appointment. My guess is I should probably have reacted earlier cos now I’m living with a constant niggle.
Don’t ignore it but mention it to your nurse, doctor etc. They will call you in if they think they should take action or give you some exercises to prevent further damage. I’ve finally been referred to a podiatrist and a physio and hopefully they can come up with a plan.
Terrible foot pain.
Seronegative RA with No pain in hands or feet
No Pain
Morton’s neuroma pain or my RA? 
Painful Achilles 
