Toes Affected by Rheumatoid

[Juliachoo]

Hi All, I am experiencing a problem with my toes. They are “clubbing & turning under & now the 3rd & 4th digit are very painful due to me walking on my actual toenails. The pressure is forcing them into the skin & I have a chiropodist every 6 weeks to help sort this out. But 4 weeks down the line this time & they are already ingrowing! Any suggestions & is anyone else struggling with this? Thank you

[bpeal1]

If your hospital has a podiatric surgeon ask your rheumatologist to refer you to them. They are the experts when it comes to feet. Despite their name they are also experts in conservative treatment too. At my hospital we have a podiatric surgeon who specialises in ‘high risk’ feet (ie people with Rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes) and he has been amazing.

[ABwn]

Mine are problematic as well. Good luck.

[sylvi]

I had my toes straightened and though it was a success at the time my toes are starting to curl again, so give it a lot of thought before you go through the surgery route. xxxx

[helixhelix]

After my last flare the 4th toes on each foot are turning under, and yes it makes walking highly unpleasant. For the minute I put toe tubes on them to cushion them. However have just been to see a podiatrist who is making new insoles with toes support that will hopefully help keep them in a better position. I get them in 10 days…fingers crossed.

[wishbone]

Both of my big toes have turned inward to such a degree that they have practically dislocated at the MTP joints...the left big toe has crossed over the top of the next toe, and the right big toe has gone under the next 2 toes. I have trouble with one of the right toe nails but clipping cures that.

Rheumy never look at my feet and I go to NHS podiatry every 10 weeks. A surgeon did look at my feet a few years back and said providing I can manage to get by then he thought they were best left alone.

[medway-lady]

I had this on my left foot, the right one was normal. So I saw an Orthopaedic surgeon who straightened my foot and toes. Pinned a plate into the front arch and shaved a bit off each toe but you'd not see it and a bony bit on the side of my foot. The was 5 years ago and it didn't hurt, and I was in plaster for 6 weeks, then a boot and then just a soft shoe. My feet still match and the curl has never returned. The scars are on my instep and series of small dots on the top of my foot. It was fairly straightforward despite being on Riveroxaban and the best thing I've done but I was told sometimes it doesn't work and can even turn again. I accepted that and thought worth the risk and am very glad I went ahead as I have no pain and normal feet. In time I know it could change but as with much of life sometimes it's worth taking a chance but only with all the facts. I do know the foot has to be turned at a certain degree before the NHS will do anything so its's worth asking for a referral from your GP.

[dippyd09]

I’m sorry to hear this and I have really bad problems with my toes though not the same as you. Could you ask to be seen by a rheumatoid podiatrist? They are specialised in these problems. I was sent to see them by the rheumatologist. I hope you get some help. Sore feet are not easy to cope with.

[medway-lady in reply to dippyd09]

I didn't see a RA podiatrist but was referred to an Orthopaedic Surgeon. I saw a podiatrist one years ago and was as much use as a chocolate fireguard. Thats not saying some aren't good but the one I saw made insoles which made my foot issues worse. The surgeon said it's not an insole job but a job for the knife. lol He was right the operation was best option and it worked although it was a long recovery it was painfree.

[dippyd09 in reply to medway-lady]

Yes, my issues have been ongoing but I did get shoes and a support but am now waiting (priority list) for an ankle replacement although the surgeon said I do have other issues with my feet. Unfortunately being on priority list at the moment is a waiting game, don’t think it’ll be any time soon.

[marie66]

Hi I asked Rheumatology nurse to refer me to podiatrist. Best thing I ever did as they made me toe supports. It took a few days to get used to them but now I wouldn’t be without them! M x

[patrickd]

AWE...I feel so badly for you! That must be quite agonizing. I'm not sure I can offer any input other than my toes on my left foot curl under also BUT (for the most part), I don't really experience alot of pain. I've had 4 surgeries on that foot to remove a simple but large bunion. To be honest, I do not wear shoes very often as I am at home, disabled, so shoes aren't really that necessary. Maybe you could get a good support type of shoe or shoe lifts to help? I have shoes supports that I wear (when I wear shoes that is) and they do make a noticeable difference.