Hello
I was diagnosed with RA about six weeks ago and am on 20 mg methotrexate and 5 mg folic acid and have had a steroid injection. I can see improvement in other places but my right foot and ankle are swollen so I can only walk really short distances with a limp. I am worried that I will not be able to walk again. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can help things along?
keep taking your meds, mtx can take up to 12 weeks to fully work( sometimes longer 😔) the steroid jab will have helped so that’s probably why you feel improvements. NRAS do some good publications that you might find helpful, including one called living better with RA.
Thank you Kitty. I think I need to give it more time and will see if I can access some physio support.
Your walking will improve. My ankles were puffy/massive and I was using two sticks to walk very slowly, but once the RA gets under control from the Mtx you’ll be able to move more. The rheumy physio saved me with gentle exercises and gentle physio/movement and most of all hydro sessions. Ask if there are any your rheumy physio organises at a local pool or at least see the physio to discuss how you can keep your ankles moving without hurting them. Hope Mtx soon starts to work.
It is good to know that things can get better - thank you.
Yes, definitely try see if you can access a hospital physio as I posted yesterday. They can keep people moving and offer lots of advice whilst the meds take time to work. Hoping things start to improve soon.
I wonder how people managed having to deal with this all on their own before the internet! Thanks.
Books at the library for me and more contact with my rheumy nurse and physio then. I also got the Arthritis Today ... I think it was called ... mags. Think that’s all online too now. Sometimes though we can get saturated with info. 😐
Hi Sparta once your meds kick in things will get much better. The same happened to my feet but it was a long time before I was seen by rheumy & had another drug added to get ra under control. I have access to a pool & did slow walking side to side or just kept them submerged. I know its scary isn,t it, I was terrified thought like you will I ever walk again but I can! Mind I was only on hydro & prednisole & each time I had a flare dr just upped the preds which while it made the swelling & pain go away wasn,t addressing the real problem. Monday gone was my 12th dose of mtx & today its just been increased, it needs time as everyone says. Difficult I know when youre in pain.
Ask dr for pain relief, I,m sure he,ll give you something & wont leave you suffering. See what helps best heat or cold pads. Things will get better its just the drugs take some time to kick in. On a good note you are seeing improvement in other places so take heart & stay strong 
It is really useful to hear about other people's experiences. I hope you manage to get the underlying problem dealt with.
Sit with your feet up as often as you can, to help drain your ankles. Hopefully when your drugs kick in the disease will calm down.
Thank you for the tips.
Hopefully your meds will kick in soon. If it’s visibly swollen applying ice can reduce some swelling. If it’s not visibly swollen then heat can help, by increasing circulation to the area, and increasing endorphins, our bodies natural painkiller. I also like compression socks when my feet or ankles are playing up. Rest your leg up, ideally your foot needs to be higher than your hip, to assist draining.
That is really helpful - thank you.
RA sufferer for 20 years now. Plus have lots of swelling due to bimalleolar ankle fracture so that ankle swells way more than the other. Best way to get rid is by cycling. No I don't mean struggling on a bike ride. Get yourself a excercise bike just do 10 minute stint twice a day. If you haven't got the space find the cheapest gym membership you can. If like me size us a problem then Slim cycle on High St TV has a max user weight of 136kg. Always take pain killers beforehand and build it up slowly. Movement really is your best friend. I always think to myself use it or lose it. Especially when all I want to do is curl up and not move. Hope this helps.
Thank you - there is a temptation to reduce the movement so I suppose the trick is to try and get the balance right.
Have they suggested Hydrochlorothiazide? A water pill that helps me when mine swell. I had been diagnosed with RA and I was on Methotrexate for two years when I became too ill on the MTX and stopped it. The RA seemed to go into remission at that point and the lesser pain I have now is called “osteoarthritis” I guess for lack of a better definition. I take the Hydrochlorothiazide as needed sometimes for up to three days. I believe mine is caused by foods but not certain. I woke this morning with swollen feet and ankles and the only thing I had that I haven’t been eating of late is bread. I have always thought I was gluten intolerant but they tell me no, not showing in bloodwork. However, searching symptoms today I found something called gluten ataxia which indicates my symptoms. I have a doctor appointment today and I’m going to ask about this. Hoping you find something to help alleviate your swelling, it makes everything uncomfortable. Feel better soon!
I hope you have been able to find some answers at the GP. It all becomes a bit circular if you find you can't move and then that makes the swelling worse.
Sorry I didn’t respond more quickly. I am still without answers as to what’s going on. However, there are more tests coming. By the end of the month, I hope to know more but I’m not looking forward to these answers.
Most have given good suggestions , info. I try to put my feet up. Also try to walk a little round your room to get fluid in the ankle moving, along with ankle exercise when you have your feet up. Maybe a bit of ice packing on it?
I am going to go with a combination and have now found an ice pack which is working out better than the bag of frozen spinach.
I am struggling with the same at the moment, the only thing that worth for me is elevation.
It is frustrating isn't it. I have started with the elevation and anything that helps is appreciated.
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