Foot pain

[Gottarelax]

I've been diagnosed a couple of years now and have been under decent control with MTX for the past year. My presentation of RA has been in the big joints with nothing to speak of in the hands and feet. However, the last few days I've been getting odd pains in my feet. To make it easier to describe I've marked it out in the image in red. Last night, the pain over the tarsal bones was enough to make it difficult to sleep. I've not changed shoes or been more active so I'm perplexed. Does this look like a pattern of RA type inflammation? Could compression help?...am I just going to have to go back to the nurse (I think I know the answer to that☺️)?

Edited to add that 1 yr ago ultrasound of feet looked perfectly normal

[Connie49]

When I first developed RA, I presented with a lot of pain in my feet (as well as hands, wrists and shoulders). It felt as though my metatarsal bones were locked together, making walking a nightmare. As my RA came under control, these pains disappeared. I guess this shows that the feet can indeed be involved, so I do think it best that you contact your RA team. Sorry!

[Tealblue2]

I was diagnosed a year ago. But have had pain here for over 4 years. I suffer with pain in the same places as you. It makes walking almost impossible and when it’s bad I use a stick. My next step is to try orthopaedics. I’ve noticed that over the last few weeks I’ve become almost completely flat footed as well.

Originally everyone told me it was plantar fasciitis- but it was in the wrong place

I’d call the nurse. They don’t know unless you tell them and they can do things to help

[Seabird1]

When my feet are sore there from gardening and positioning my self crouching which I try not to do too much because of ending up with pain there. The only thing that really helps is heat packs placed over them with my feet up. I feel for you. My feet have made me give up riding my bicycle. My podiatrist interpreted my xray as well and said there was bone erosion and so understanding that I am grateful for things I can do with sturdy shoes on. I hope you get some relief soon.

[cyberbarn]

you could go to your RA team, but you could also see a podiatrist because they are the expects in everything below the knee. In many areas now you can self refer too, so no need to go to the GP first.

[Retirednhs]

I jave been using methotrexate for about 15 yrs for my RA initially in tablet form but by self administerd injections. Which l prefer, and use weekly. RA as you will know has the ability to worsen at times in different parts of the body and the feet are often involved out of the blue. They suddenly can swell or become painfull very often sending sharp shooting pains from your toes and also can affect your toe nails which require you to have appointments in podiatry and/ or help from the orthotic department for special shoes or supports in your own shoes. I am also taking steroids and have Rituximab infusions x4 during the year. My advice to you would be to speak with your help desk in the Ra department and discuss the way forward with a probable referral to podiatrist and or the orthotics department for help asap so you are able to find some comfort for your feet . Good luck

[Polo22]

Only new to here but it was my feet that first started causing me pain. in all of those highlighted areas, At first I thought it might be due to breaking my foot years ago apparently in a really dramatic fashion. First saw Rheumy January, main problems feet and poor mobility, hands feet x-rays and US scan, but they confused me by saying if I want my feet sorting they will refer me to a different team who deal with feet and ankles. How wasteful is that, I don't really have any answers sometimes I can't have any bedding on my feet either. Magnesium spray rubbed into feet helped a bit, the sleep one has lavender in to help sleep as well.

[J1707-]

yeah this is me . Often a sign of active disease I wear compression socks and have had orthotics made privately ( not cheap)a depo injection can help but it maybe you meds are not working. I would contact your clinic. I have had many drugs and some were short lived but when they worked it made a difference. I’ve just started a new one 2 weeks ago and at the moment pain free and mobility much better. The right drug makes a huge difference.