Feet and RA

Ok I have OA but mainly knees and my RA covers the rest of my body. However my feet over the past month have got very 'crunchy' toes stiffer and the skin on the base of feet has become thicker and very very dry but also more sensitive or tingly. Is this podiatry or chiropodist? Or both? I know my ankles tend to be tender to the touch lately too so I am assuming all RA based but I appreciate other things could be at play. My RA mainly was in arms/hands for the past year.

Plus I feel lockdown has made my body less active as standing less so I know it is not because I am standing at work which I am used too.

I foot scrub and do as much as I can but getting to the feet is a tough one.

[Thingybob]

Hiya, I would say its RA related. I get the same and the balls of my feet underneath feel like I'm walking on pebbles. A trip to the podiatrist helped me , she recommended shoes, treatments etc and gave me a good " feet mot" . I think you can self refer to the hospital one if you are seeing a rheumy . Although I' m not sure if they are seeing people at the mo. 🙂

[Dobcross1 in reply to Thingybob]

I'd say the same - now my feet are my worst problem as MTX has sorted most of the other problems out! Ankles, tendons and heels feel like I'm walking on pebbles. Unfortunately I'm being shunted between Rheumatology and hospital Podiatry which I'm going to sort out once appointments are back up and running. Deeb I'd definitely let your Rheumatology dept know and see a podiatrist too. Hope you get sorted.

[Hidden in reply to Dobcross1]

thanks for this and our GP also has an in houe podiatrist so might ry from that angle! Walking on pebbles is about right

[Hidden in reply to Dobcross1]

I asked to see a podiatrist was told no need orthotics. Helps a little but tendons and backs of heels always hurt. Will have to push or go private 16 months since I’ve been able to walk without pain

[Dobcross1 in reply to Hidden]

I think l will have to go private too. I've seen the same hospital podiatrist twice - both times he didn't even get off his chair to look at my feet and referred me back to Rheumatology!!

[Hidden in reply to Dobcross1]

Doesn’t it just piss you off. We just want to be pain free and mobile not pushed from one to the other and just dismissed .

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

This kind of thing drives me nuts its a waste of an appointment for you and for the service and if happens should be reported as it is not just people doing no shows to appointments that are wasting money either.

[Dobcross1 in reply to Hidden]

Yep, so true.

[springcross in reply to Hidden]

😮 😀

[Hidden]

I had this last year. Very prolonged flare and very active disease.Feet and toes very stiff basically walked with no roll through foot. Yes very very bad thick dry skin with a callus under the thick skin that became infected. So sensitive. Once my RA was better controlled it cleared up. Mobility still not great in feet and it rears it’s ugly head when I flare.

[JFlay]

My rheumy nurse referred me to orthotics. I have the insoles now and they help a bit but not a cure sadly 😕

[Rosie246]

I have been seeing a podiatrist (NHS) every month for years. Originally I was referred by rheumatologist. Unfortunately it is RA related and very difficult to deal with yourself. I appreciate every appointment and look forward to seeing her when this is over. Her top tip is using Vaseline and wearing socks at night. I have tried quite a few different creams including Margaret Dabbs but the Vaseline works wonders.

[Altaria]

I’m a podiatrist. We usually recommend orthotics, padding and proper shoes for conservative treatment. We are prone to fat pad atrophy in the feet that could cause the feeling you are describing. Depending on the severity of your deformities we may recommend surgery to remove prominences that could be causing your pain. I hope you get better soon!

[nomoreheels]

Podiatry I'd say Dee. That's how my problems started (RD) & I have corns on the area you describe as thicker. They're a real pain, my Podiatrist says it's due in part to the ‘nucleus' pressing on a nerve (it is wider at the top than at the bottom inside the corn, it's a little like a dunce's cap), it certainly feels like it! I think I'm correct in saying that it's not helped by having overpronation (in my case) or oversupination. Custom orthotics help a bit, make walking more comfortable but doesn't stop the problem unfortunately.

Treating yourself to an Epsom Salt Bath might help. I,m tacking my corns at the mo with a Scholl product but it's laborious compared to how quickly my Podiatrist can rid me of them, for a while anyhow.

Definitely ask your Rheumy to refer you to a Podiatrist.

[KittyJ]

Definitely refer yourself to a podiatrist, they made such a difference to my feet I walked out of the clinic not hobbled. I do have to keep on top of them but will not let them get as bad again.