When will my feet stop hurting

[Simsey]

Diagnosed with RA three weeks ago after months of tests and not knowing what was going on ( felt like I was falling down a rabbit hole). Have been put on Methotrexate. My feet are so painful 😖 I can barely walk on them, I look like a penguin with my toes up! It is a major problem getting to the loo on time, especially at night when the are at their worst.....please tell me this will improve x

[helixhelix]

It will!

Quite often the time just pre and post diagnosis is the absolute worst. Your disease is having a free for all, you've had the shock of the diagnosis and had to face the idea of taking what sound like dreadful drugs, and everything hurts!

It will take time, I’m sorry. Methotrexate is a slow drug (they all are...). Everything with this disease needs patience. But there’s a very good chance that by the beginning of July things will be a whole heap better.

Keep your feet up as much as you can, soak them in warm water or maybe see if you can find a wax bath, and with your feet up try to keep them moving. You should also be referred to a podiatrist, but I don’t know whether these things are happening right now.

[Hidden]

Oh Simsey you are describing me. I’ve had RD for 4 years and my feet are the bane of my life. I walk like a penguin don’t have a stride. Don’t mention the toilet 🙄🙄I’ve had short spells of bliss where I’ve been relatively normal but they are rare. I’m still having this problem and trying to find a permanent answer. It’s sounds so hopeless the way I’ve written this but I’m determined to get the right drugs and live a better life others have had success so will I ... eventually. Sorry I’m no help

[Dobcross1 in reply to Hidden]

Me too!

[Hidden]

Hi Simsey.. yes it will eventually settle down. When i was first diagnosed i was quite ignorant about the disease. I never looked anything up nor asked questions, i was in total denial (possibly still am).. I just returned from South Africa competing in the worlds strongest woman 2002, i thought all the pain i was in was due to my competition. Like you it was sore to walk and my hands were that swollen i had to have my rings cut off.... however test after test and months and years down the line i was diagnosed with RA... a total shocker, so needless to say that was the end of me lifting cars and flipping tyres lol... I have had two total knee replacement one July 2019 and the other January 2020. I feel that I have my life back again and enjoying my gym workouts again most of which is cardio. There's one thing I won't let happen is RA will definitely not get in my way of doing anything. I only joined this forum a few weeks ago, but i wish I wasn't so ignorant and joint sooner. A few posts people have put up have answered my questions greatly, but back to yours, you will definitely reep the benefits once your medication kicks in..... it may be trial and error to find the right one though but you will get there. Hope this helps. Happy Easter. Take care Jax x

[JFlay]

Hi,

I've had terrible problems with my feet since diagnosis January 2019 and a long time before that too. I think a lot of us have foot problems 😒

Eventually my rheum nurse referred me to orthotics, I have the custom made insoles now which are helping a bit. Maybe that's something you could ask about later if it doesn't get better.

Also, as you've not long started treatment, did you have a depo steroid injection? that could help for a while too.

All the best.

[Simsey in reply to JFlay]

Yes had a steroid injection, absolutely fab feel so much more human than before, I'm terrified it wears off before the methotrexate kicks in !

[Sockknitter]

Your feet will improve as the MTX kicks in. Meantime try and get a podiatrist appointment. In our area you can self refer. Your GP receptionist will know how. I got orthotics from the podiatrist but she also had some good advice about footwear. No heels, it throws the body weight forward onto the inflamed joints. Nothing thin soled, you will feel every bump in the pavement. No slippers, not enough support. She searched through my bag of shoes and boots she had asked me to bring and pulled out my walking boots. Stiff soled, ultra padded, well fitting and laces up to the ankle. She pronounced them to be the best. I wear them all the time at home and garden when my feet hurt. She also advised cushioned insoles for those occasions when walking boots were not appropriate.

As I said at the beginning, you won't need to go to this extreme all the time. Your medication will work and your feet will be fine, but it is comforting to know you have a plan when you need it.

[Simsey in reply to Sockknitter]

Fortunately I'm a walking boot kinda girl !

[Slate56]

Hi please gang in there I was diagnosed just before Xmas after 8 months of more doctors appointment than I can remember it’s only now I am beginning to get better mtx does work takes time things will improve cheers

[Evie3]

Hiya......RA started in my feet 38 years ago. It was like walking on pebbles...so so painful. I did have to have my metatarsal heads removed and big toe fusion which made life a whole lot easier. However nowadays with the new Anti-tnf and Biologics I think you will find relief sooner. Take care x

[Simsey in reply to Evie3]

Crikey the whole metatarsal head and toe fusion sounds blinking awful, brave you !

[Evie3 in reply to Simsey]

Really had no choice as was incredibly painful.....much better now. However as i said above you might b able to avoid with all the new medications around now. In my early days of RA there was only paracetamol or steroids.

[Hessie5]

Hi Simsey - you just teleported me back to November 2016 I was diagnosed RA Positive severe I was informed. My feet and ankles were also the bain of my life with RD.

In my earlier post I had mentioned the inability to walk, I was crawling like a cat to the bathroom, I would be in tears due to the excruciating pain and inability to walk. I recall days getting off the train into London with tears streaming as every step was a struggle. As RD took hold it wickedly attacked my tendon, joints from one foot to the next. I refused to use a stick only to end up ordering a glitzy one to use indoors. The inability to go up on both toes impossible as severe tendonitis / flatfoot developed. This was due to not finding the right medication.

I recall asking my Rheumy will I ever be able tip toe or run - he said yes. I didn't believe him.

Roll forward to now - I am 95% better. Now my experience is exclusive to me. as everyones story is different. Although not 100% I am happy with my lot. Walking downstairs is still a slight work in progress but so much better - I am thrilled to be able to do a little tippity toe, and a little run too.

I am extremely thankful and grateful everyday I am getting better. You must do your physio and exercise those joints. I also invested in supplements and ate good joint foods. Your meds are invaluable to stop spread.

Know like me you will get better. What seems like the impossible becomes possible ☺️.

[Simsey in reply to Hessie5]

Can I ask what RD stands for?

Tippie toes and a little run sound fab

[Hessie5 in reply to Simsey]

Hi Simsey - oops so sorry RD ”Rheumatoid Disease” some of us refer to RA as RD.

[Hidden in reply to Simsey]

I refer to it as RD rheumatoid disease. It’s far more complicated than just joints. When I say I have Rheumatoid arthritis people say ooooh I’ve got a bit of that in my little finger.

Unfortunately most people including medics don’t understand how disabling this disease is ... fatigue, eyes , lungs , ligaments, Tendons etc are effected . I do feel it should be renamed not very body agrees

[Brychni in reply to Hidden]

absolutely. I haven't told many people but when I do I avoid the word 'arthritis' because they just don't get it.

[marie66]

Hi Podiatry and orthotics are my best help! The insoles, toe supports and splints they've provided do help and have kept me mobile with my wee wheelie! I have to use a tri-walker for stability now - my feet began to turn in and I kept tripping up! The pain is really much less using these splints and insoles from orthotics and toe supports from podiatrist. Get a referral from your rheummy team asap. M x

[jenn72]

hi there can i just say i still walk like a penguin from time to time but honestly it does get better. sounds simple but a good long sleep can help. i tent to pre-empt my pain so i have co- codamol by my bed with a wee glass of water all ready. That way when i register the pain niggling upward i take two. if you stay on top of your pain(at the times inbetween stated) this really helps. warm to hot water helps put them in a foot bath or go in the tub. if your asthmatic you cant use diclofen gel but your not i find voltorol gel amazing for relief. i rub on on layer let it dry then another. its the time inbetween pain when we are almost pain free that keeps us going. once your meds kick in this will pass. i know i felt it wouldnt settle but it did xx

hugs

j

[Simsey]

Thank you for all your replies and help, I shall soldier on !!

[Mmrr]

Hi !

I wear crocs around the house and find them so comfortable on my sore feet.

Not the cheap hard plastic ones, but the original crocs, which are soft and gentle.

Also using ice packs on the soles of your feet might help. Best Wishes.

[Brychni in reply to Mmrr]

I can't be without my sheepskin slippers especially in the winter when the Raynaud's really kicks in.

[Anniebl24]

Maybe a prescription for anti inflammatories until the MTX starts to work. They save me from agony.