My life from now on in trainers or boots. Went out over the weekend and thought I would wear a normal pair of shoes. Well I wish I hadn't, I could hardly walk in them as my feet became so sore, suffering a bit today. Totally forgot how uncomfortable it is to wear normal shoes. Contacted Rheumatology last week chasing my request for shoe insoles( which was due in 2019) reminded me they I really so need them.
Poor feet: My life from now on in trainers or boots... - NRAS
Poor feet
Written by
Bagpuss2021
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
103 Replies
•
I think if you typed in shoes in search bar you would see many tales of woe re shoes! We have all been there and it’s hard if a shoe lover!
It’s upsetting isn’t it. I was so upset one day that I put all my beautiful shoes that I could no longer wear & some that I could but came with a cost, in the recycling bin. It was sad but it felt better not having to see them & be tempted by them. My life in footwear now are trainers Ugg boots Ugg sandals a pair of very fashionable short welly boots 🙄. & at a push ( weddings etc…) size 7, I’m size 5 pair of shoes. ☹️
Hi there, I know just how you feel, my feet are terrible , I can hardly wear anything at all. I would be in my element if I could get boots and trainers on. All I can manage is those pull on canvas Skechers . I think you will find many of us are riddled with arthritis in our feet.You are not alone. Good luck to you.
wear sketchers myself, so comfy
• in reply torabbits65
I have several pairs of those and some made by Reiker with a little wedge which help 👠😣
A rheumy nurse said that she would refer me and when I chased it up months later, I was told that the system has changed and I needed to self-refer 🙄 Luckily I got an appointment quickly and he gave me insoles which really helped so definitely chase it up.
• in reply toBoxerlady
Gel?There’s so many in the shelf it’s hard to choose the right ones. Plus they are expensive.
Me too. Nothing but sheepskin boots (or synthetic boots as slippers) with a long shoehorn. Flip flops or Fit Flops, that everyone says not to wear, all summer. Socks are the biggest problem for me so I rarely wear them. ☹️
My friend and I both wear fit flops in the summer. I’ve had Major surgery both feet and multiple stress fractures in both of them. My feet swell terribly and it’s fit flops or nothing on hot days, nothing isn’t an option!
• in reply toSusiebee31
Yes, I find I can’t go bare footed either, it’s like the floor hurts my feet and I also feel vulnerable without “shoes “
the last time I wore flip flops I got told off by my consultant, she said there is not enough support. Told her at the time I need them for comfort. love flip flops
I was in a similar situation in Nov/ Dec. I have toes that are subluxed and don’t move, I wore a pair of flattish comfort dress shoes and walked a total of 1 mile in them. Ended up being housebound for 3 weeks, and purchasing a new pair of wide boots from hotter. All I could tolerate for 3 weeks were slippers or gardening crocs. I mainly wear sketchers or fitflop shoes, can’t remember the last time I wore heels. Hope they settle soon
I'm back in my sketchers boots today which are so much more comfortable.
I know what you mean, it's hard isn't it. I loved my kitten heels, fashion boots etc but now live in Vionic trainers, boots and sandals and even their slippers (which are ridiculously over priced, but that's another story!!). Hopefully the insoles will help when you get them.
I wear sketchers and have just bought some insoles, both over priced. 😀
• in reply toDobcross1
Is that a brand like sketchers or a style/type of shoe for sore feet?
Dobcross1• in reply to
Hi, yes Vionic is a brand - they specialise in footwear with arch support. They have a website. They are expensive, but for me worth it and I think they've got a sale on at the moment.
I will check that out thanks
Another Vionic wearer . Bought in recent sale . Also wear orthotic slippers bought on Ebay / Amazon . Cheaper but comfortable, grey with "sheepskin" lining .
Vionic have been a life saver for me… especially their comfort slippers 👍👍
👍
And another one here, I wear nothing but walking shoes by oboz and boot type slippers with thick soles.
I mostly wear Meindl walking boots when I’m out walking anywhere - even in town. I’ve also got a pair of GoreTex ECCO boots that are waterproof and very comfortable, then in summer I wear a pair of white ECCO flat lace up shoes - with, skirts, dresses - everything. I end up with nice brown legs and white feet because the sun never sees them. I’ve also got a nice pair of almost knee high zip up boots that are very comfortable so I wear boots with skirts and dresses. I never dress so smartly that it looks really odd. I don’t care anyway, I go for comfort.I never go in my bare feet - plantar fasciitis - and I can’t remember when I last wore heels.
I gave a beautiful pair of much coveted UGG boots to a friend last year because they were so flat that I couldn’t walk in them. That was sad.
All my life I’ve found getting comfortable shoes a bit of a nightmare.
For extra comfort I use little red sorbothane heel insets in whatever shoes I’m wearing.
• in reply toFruitandnutcase
I will check out ECCO as they sounds like a good option! Thanks for sharing.
I have just bought some boots to wear with skirts. Will need to wear them around the house for a bit and put some insoles inside. I really don't want to have another experience like I did the other day.
• in reply toFruitandnutcase
I’ve been using foam powder puffs 🤣
I , too , had a much loved pair of UGG boots . I wore them to death but unfortunately the soles became too smooth and walking in the snow I slipped and broke my fibula and tibia ( this , a year after my TKR ) so they had to go . So that meant several months in a cast . The TKR held but the UGGs had to go . Have used ECCO and SKETCHERS ( lovely but not supportive enough ) happy with Vionics now.
I do that wearout the soles on footwear and not think about not having grip. hope you are ok now
Thank you , Bagpuss . Yes , I recovered eventually, this was in 2010 . But my feet/ankles are a continual source of aggro . Christmas spent in a lovely apartment, visiting family. BUT the stairs were slightly higher ( in step height ) than my ones at home plus a turn at the top , without a handrail . This very small change , in my usual approach to stairs , meant that after I got home at the end of 3 days , my feet and ankles were SO painful that I could hardly walk .
Most pain settled after several days but my right ankle is still slightly swollen and painful but improving slowly . I couldn't believe that this slightly different approach to stairs had such an impact on my feet .
• in reply toBriefencounter
Vionics better than sketchers do you find?
Briefencounter• in reply to
Yes , I do . I love Sketchers and have always worn them but a few months ago I contracted plantar fasciitis so after doing a lot of research I discovered Vionics . They had a sale at half price so I bought a pair online . Then quickly bought another pair as they were so comfortable. They're Mary Jane style with an elastic pull over strap with a tough velcro fastening . They're not too old lady style ( but as I'm 80 , I have to start somewhere 😳😬) but I'm afraid comfort is my go-to now . I have a wardrobe full of lovely fancy shoes - hardly worn .
• in reply toBriefencounter
me too but maybe one day Cinderella, you shall go to the ball 💃
Briefencounter• in reply to
😘
Oshgosh• in reply to
I find avionics really upset my feet.Have given up looking for comfortable shoes. I never realised the effect that chronic ill health has on everything x
I know how you feel. I live in lace-up trainer type shoes most of the time as I need my orthotics inside them. In high summer I sometimes wear a sandal with inbuilt arch support. But normal shoes are no good for me to walk in now.
Isn’t it annoying that the DAS28 score system takes no account of our foot problems. My previous Rheumy refused to even examine my feet because he said “they’re not in the DAS28 so I’m more interested in your hands”. Yet my feet and ankles have always been my worst affected part of the body! I understand too that a very high proportion of newly diagnosed RA patients report feet are a significant problem area!
That really annoys me too. My ankles have been a major problem and for feet not to be included in DAS is beyond stupid.
Yes I agree. I made a video specially in response to a request on here for Podiatrists to show at a BSR conference last year as they are trying to get more notice taken of our feet issues.. I gather more than 50% of new RA patients report with foot problems and all we can do to raise our feet problem issues with our Rheumatologists.
Thankfully my new consultant is concerned for me; he examined them first and I had X-rays last week including several on my feet and ankles.
Funnily enough when I saw a rheumy in September she asked how my feet were. Could have knocked me down with a feather. I noticed on my copy of the report to my GP that after her name it said ‘Clinical Research Fellow ‘ so who knows who she is or how I ended up seeing her. She isn’t there any longer though - but she did ask about my feet.
I , too , had a "Clinical Research Fellow" at my last f2f rheumatologist appointment- and " oh boy" was she thorough . Detailed, almost verbatim, written report to my doctor ( copy to me ) with numbered points and numbered suggestions . She also suggested I should get the third primary vaccine followed by booster . As it was early days in the 3rd vaccine jab output this was very useful . I think they only do 6 months at a time so I doubt that I'll see her again .
Agreed , feet and ankles easily aggravated by any change in shoes or walking on uneven ground . When I was first diagnosed my feet and hands were the first to show signs of RA . Both were X-rayed . This was in 1989 .
They improved with medication but my hands became deformed with ulnar drift and toes became hammer toes . Though neither hands or feet cause much problem , pain wise , now unless I over use them . But shoes are still a problem 🙄
that is so odd. when I was diagnosed it was my feet problem that led my GP to do bloods and refer me. its not good if different specialists say different things.
That’s the same as me, my feet were the problem so my GP referred me. But my consultant not so interested in my feet more hands.
Typical! 🙄
My first joint to be involved was in my left foot. My feet faired worst than my hands, which are a close second. I broke my right foot on someone’s very uneven paved drive doing a home visit, when it was x-rayed they asked me to tell them if it looked normal for me as I’ve got so much missing, rearranged or old fractures. Had a bit of a laugh about it though.
• in reply toLolabridge
RA in both big toe joints caused me to walk badly and resulted in a severe muscle rupture with my calf in October 2020, I’m still in pain from this injury but worse I now limp too and this has aggravated RA in my hip…. So it goes on - but I have a physio f2f on Friday so hoping for ….. something 😀
Lolabridge• in reply to
Oh I do feel for you! One problem often sets off another. Hope you can get some help soon,🤞🏻
Bagpuss2021• in reply to
I get pain in my calf, never thought it could be because of my toes
• in reply toBagpuss2021
RA in big toe joint caused me to walk badly, leading to inner arch foot pain that travelled up to the lower calf muscle (soleus) which ruptured whilst walking due to repetitive strain according to GP. This injury caused a higher calf muscle (gastrocnemius) to rupture at the same time ( I think they are linked). Anyway take care of your feet as I’m still limping 15 months post injury and the limp has aggravated RA in my hip. Plus major issues with shoes 👠🥺
Same. (PsA) I stopped wearing fancy shoes years ago. I wear trainers or brogues. In summer I wear shoes with the bar across them...they used to be hard to find, now there are loads. I've got narrow feet, with a high instep and get pain in my heels and soles of my feet. Shoe shopping is my least favourite activity but if I find something that works I buy the same again!
I dont wear slippers...got sore with them as no support- I wear slip on sports shoes in the house, instead.
Clothes - cannot bear uncomfortable clothes or fabric now either. There's a lot more choice now which is a plus🎈 💙
CagneysMum• in reply to
Try vionic slippers with inbuilt arch supports. I’ve gone from a slipper hater to a slipper lover and now can’t comfortably walk barefoot. 👍
• in reply toCagneysMum
They sound great. 👍x
• in reply to
For retro t bar shoes check out a make called modshoes, I hzvnt trued them but love the styles and low block heels that help those of us with foot and knee pain.
There are some nice walking sandals for summer which are fine. I have some which are heaven on a stick. Best to start shopping at ‘outdoor’ outlets..
Lolabridge• in reply to
I have to buy my shoes online but there are a few sites that offer a good selection for us with dodgy feet and I know which brands are most likely to suit me.
• in reply toLolabridge
I like teva and merrell for walking sandals. Black’s has a sale on atm!
I think my boots are scarpa.
When i was first diagnosed with RA the rheumatologist said my sore feet were not connected and that at my age i should expect to have sore feet (50). I've since changed rheumatologist!! Shoe wise i find a combination of wearing Crocs , Brookes running shoes and Hotter shoes are good, Hotter do some half decent 'going out' shoes which are pretty comfy.
when you find something comfy stick with it!!
Anyone who tells you that ought not to be doing that job! For a start ‘at your age’!!!!!! Then why should you ‘expect’ to have sore feet at any age. That is ridiculous!
I worry that a lot of people may not question it and just take what they are given and go away quietly still in pain!! thankfully my new rheumatologist got everything under control. (well until covid struck anyway!!).
I'm the one that asks too many questions
Well said Fruitandnut case - "at your age" is a prelude to poor treatment (and is ageism too)
I don’t find Hotter that good.They’re trying to be fashionable,but having the name printed on the shoes doesn’t help my image as a fashion icon.x
Yours, & especially Lola's, mirror my own experience in regards of attention to feet by Rheumy. Why the DAS 28 can't be increased to (perhaps) a DAS 32 to include feet & ankles, that would be really helpful in keeping us, & the feet we need to use every day, healthy. I don't expect a return to the DAS 44 (though it would be the optimum preference) but to discount the feet & ankles from being examined because they aren't included in the DAS exam is poor practice & can leave us potentially with real ongoing problems, even irreversible ones. It also would make good sense that if the feet/ankles were amongst or the only joints affected at diagnosis they were always included in physical examinations.
I've said before that my issues, which had been going on for around 3 years, were only addressed when I had nothing other to report. Once she'd examined them my Rheumy was very apologetic that she'd always glossed over them & basically fobbed me off by saying because they don't form part of the DAS examination there's no necessity to include them. I think there is because, for example, the potential slight increase in med dose could make all the difference but if disease activity is under scored then all could be considered well & opportunities missed.
I also have to wear laced trainers or walking boots (specific ones, Skechers & Ugg’s a big no no for me with ligament problems, the lack of support due to the construction & material). I am however able to wear a slight block heel or wedge, I can't have a flat shoe/boot, but the problem I find is accommodating my insole in a summer shoe. I'm determined this summer to find a full shoe with enough support but which still doesn’t make me swelter! If there was a supportive enough sandal which my insole would work with then I’d be a happy bunny. At a recent wedding I did wear some supportive wedges but I was so pleased I had the foresight to take shoes I knew were comfy to change into… the 'nice' shoes were on my feet for around 2 hours, that was enough. 😮
I hope you have more luck in chasing up being fitted for custom insoles, they can make a big difference to aches, pains & fatigue of your feet, even helping to correct posture.
Hi NMH, I just can't get on with insoles. I've seen a podiatrist 3 times now and not one pair worked. Luckily, the Vionic with arch support have worked well for me - though I've probably spent more on shoes, boots, slippers in the past couple of years than I did in my whole life before RA 😂🤣
I was fortunate & mine were good from the start, though I must admit I could do with some which are less hard, if it's an option. After having some Fitflops & feeling how squishy they are before I put my insole in it's something I’d like to ask about, if they have to be so rigid. I think mine could do with reviewing anyway though. In fact I’m in need of seeing my podiatrist soon so will talk with her about it. I've seen Vionic on TV & I do have overpronation but will they be ok considering all the peaks & troughs I have in my insoles I wonder?!
I know what mean xxx I wear sketchers trainers the slip on ones but my current ones are nearly worn out and getting a little in comfy xx I have DR Martins which are comfy to a point but I have to unlace them totally to get them on but they do support ankles which is good xx socks are uncomfortable as they feel like they are squeezing my ankles so have to buy mens massive fluffy ones but can’t wear them with shoes 😳. I bought some flat loafer things from next in the linzi range but have only worn them once. They do have memory foam in them but I happy to ditch them by the end of the day x I’m going through al mine at the weekend to get rid of any can’t wear any more xxx even sandals seem to be a problem and I love my sandals 😩
Need to go through mine aswell a get rid of what I can't wear
Definitely worth chasing a podiatrist. Check out your NHS trust system, as many have out sourced that department now. I have full insoles which of course limits the shoe. Really depends on your feet but when you find what works stick with it. I haven’t been able to anything flat for a number of years, or any slip on, backless shoe. Before my insoles I wore fit flops, as supported arch. Now the insoles and their designs don’t go together! I had to have one foot basically reconstructed and since then I’m in laced structured boots with a heel of about 2cm - Clark’s Orinoco range or proper walking boots. Summer I’m in hotter trainers or Clark’s do a sporty sandal that hold foot in, but can’t wear insoles with those so limited wear. PS not sure I totally pull off the ankle boots and dress look but I’m comfortable!
😀
I waited over year to see NHs podiatry and got a phone cal!Such a waste of time.
I already know I have Morton's neuroma!
Guess I will with hardly any work/money have to try and pay for another private steroid injection!
It is rubbish.
The waiting list for podiatry was always poor here and looking at your dates your county sounds much like mime
I was due to get insoles fitted for my shoes, covid hit and that was that. I have chased it up, but everything seems to take so long. It is so hard to get things that you need when you do not have an income. So depressing
Oh I totally feel your pain, I’m a shoe lover. I had a nice dress on at New year and my flats didn’t cut the mustard. I took painkillers and squeezed into a sparkly pair of kitten heels. I did suffer. I bought my first pair of trainers ever, I’m 67, they were pink and had sparkly bits on them to make them a bit nicer, I feel I’ve shrunk as well, only 5 foot 🙁 I need my heels. I’ve gone up a size in my boots and found them a bit better as long as there is no heel.
love sparkles
Sympathy!RA I both big toe joints for years has meant flat wide shoes for me and in October 2020 I had a serious rupture of two lower leg muscles which haven't healed well so now footwear is limited even more ti accommodate my ankle support.
On the upside though I am getting some physio for it now shoe 👠🥺
Bagpuss2021• in reply to
so difficult
I can so relate to your post. 40 yrs ago when RA started…it was like walking on pebbles if I tried to put any heels on. Eventually had an op but Skechers shoes are my best friend 😬
that's all I seem to wear is sketchers
And slippers 😉
I think I am going to have to get rid of a lot of my shoes I can no longer wear. on the bright side I will get more wardrobe space. charity shop gonna love me. 😀
Heavenly feet - New to me, thank you I’ll check them out too.
I think everyone knows on this forum about foot agony. My toes were becoming ‘pigeon toed’. Very deformed. I had to have some bones taken out of my toes when i was in my 20’s. I had to have both feet done at the same time. Absolute agony. I felt like someone was banging my feet with bricks after the operation. They put things that looked like kebab skewers in. I had to wear big orthopedic boots for 3/4 months after. Very embarrassing walking in the street with crutches too. But the only good thing was. I always got a seat on the tube/bus. 1 day a couple were staring at me as i got on an escalator. I thought they were being rude. But as i got to the top. They both grabbed me & pulled me to the top. I laughed & was very grateful.
P.S.
SKETCHERS saved my feet. Fantastic shoes. The best pair i’ve ever had. I’d be lost & crippled without them. Good luck x
Got my Sketcher Go Walks on just now, very comfy x
I have bought sketchers
I broke my ankle years ago and now seems that side is worse than the other.
By the way. When i was first diagnosed with RA in the 90’s when i was in my 20’s. My local hospital in Central London. Made me a couple of pairs of boots. Knee length. Very nice. Good quality. They made them for FREE!!! I don’t know if they do it anymore. Why not ask your local hospital? Probably the cutbacks have stopped all that. But why not ask?
I really sympathise. After years of searching I have found that Widerfeet shoes are a reasonable compromise, lots of their shoes are ugly but one or two are quite good, very roomy and soft. Good luck
😀
Agree I look longingly at normal type shoes then go back to the soft trainers lol
I have got so many shoes I can only look at. I am slowly giving them to my daughter.
Was given insoles by the podiatrist who said about my sketchers any shoe that can be folded in two is not supportive enough for your feet not arthritis but rather bunions, she said that happens lots can be familial but means I can't wear any pretty shoes now. Find walking shoes with wide toe space comfortable. Hopefully after a further podiatry visit in maybe a year's time will have both feet operated and sorted.🤞
never thought about a shoe that can bend in half won't give enough support. interesting
• in reply toBethany02
I have arthritis in both feet and have two pairs of sketchers (so far) and although better than many shoes I also find them not supportive enough and have rigid in soles with arch support that I use inside plus I use sponge powderpuff (yes really) under my heel for extra comfort. They have the advantage of being washable easily moved under a toe or heel if you get sore spots during the day and cheap to replace unlike many shop insoles.If everyone with sore feet tries these I guarantee good results 😀
Same here, haven't been able to wear 'normal' shoes for a few years. Been wearing slip-on skecher go-walk trainer (no laces) for a couple of years or more as they are comfortable and supportive, but now wearing same but with heel pushed in flat for even easier slip-on! and slip on fluffy moulded-base slippers in the house. Have had to put favourite boots out of sight! 🥴 Never thought to ask Rheumatology about shoe insoles!
I wear reiker shoes
I need look into those, seems lots of people wear them so they must be good
I wear trainers now. Wore shoes for 2 hours on anniversary meal.it wasn’t worth it !I’ve now bought white trainers,which luckily are in fashion at present.
They look ok with dresses as well,as they’re Adidas,so they’re comfy.
Grandkids and children said they’re good.
That’s all positive as they are honest
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Poor feet
I am a 49 year old female, I have had RA for the last 3 years and take the usual medication mtx...
Ooh my aching feet
So recently my feet have become increasingly painful. Probably not helped by the 8hr shift I work...
Painful feet
Hi all my feet over the last few weeks have been hurting so much. My left one is the worse right...
Off topic - Need new slippers for your RA ravaged feet?
There's up to 40% off the range of Vionic womens and mens slippers until 6th November.
I...
Feet
Feet
I wonder what problems other people have with their feet. I developed bunions at about the...
Help - Comfy slippers and sandals in the UK?
Pain in feet at night 
Shoes
Nice shoes anyone?
