See below

[LesleyH]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop or help pain on the soles of my feet, first thing in the morning ii is hard to walk and the pain does not get much better during the day

[Hidden]

This was a major problem for me for years. I used to dread getting out of bed in the morning. Sometimes I "put up" with the pain for so long that my feet seemed to go numb!

The best starting point was to see a podiatrist who made me some orthotic supports for my shoes. These shifted my weight on to the arches of my feet so there was no pressure on the balls of my feet anymore.

Also I think getting my medication sorted out was a great help.

And finally, without wishing to advertise, I found that some shoe brands are really kindly cushioned. My favourites are FitFlops especially their boots.

So hope that helps.

[LesleyH in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info I will try the fit flops Imhave a pair

[Gina_K]

Hi, I agree with Phoebe, I had the same and think it is caused by inflammation in your feet. As P says when you get meds sorted pain will get better.

Orthotics make a huge difference. In the meanwhile, Hotters, Reiker, Padders, Fittflopps are all brands I find good. My all time recommendation is Black nubuck 'Skechers' premium trainers (delites?), I am on my third pair and my orthopaedic surgeon said they were excellant. You will have to take time and shop around for thick soled comfy shoes.

The main thing is to get your DMards correct.

Happy New Year hon,

Gina.

[LesleyH in reply to Gina_K]

Thanks for the infomation I will try the fit flops as I have a pair. I am taking 10mg of methotrexate plus the folic acid

[Gina_K in reply to LesleyH]

Well thats quite a low dose, maybe your Rheumatogist will review at next visit, a combination of dmards is usually the most effective.

Hope you continue to improve, Gina.

[Hidden]

Hi Lesley, I had exactly this problem with soles of my feet for about 6 months when the RA first raised it's head - like walking on red hot coals? But it's almost gone now apart from the occasional morning when the balls of my right foot hurt again. Like Phoebe I found that FitfFlops were brilliant and have had no pain in knees or ankles or feet since wearing them. I read about them on here and wouldn't be without them now. I'm on 15mg of MTX from last week and find that the raise in dose seems to be improving the pain, swelling and stiffness in my hands and wrists so hope the same goes for you soon. TTx

[Gina_K]

Word of caution re fittflopps, I also found them great, but my podiatrist said you should'nt wear them full time, as when you put on another shoe you might find yur foor has flattened and be unable to wear other foor wear.

They are v comfortable, but see a podiatrist for proper advice and in my experience, be aware that foot and ankle pain is a sign of joint damage with RA. To my cost i know this! So, talk to your Consultant about how bad it is. I am sorry I did'nt emphasise my foot pain earlier in my treatment, and was fobbed off with orthotics.

Regrds, Gina.

[helixhelix]

My feet are the worst bit, and like Gina I'm annoyed with myself that I didn't make more of a fuss at the beginning as now I think I've got permanent damage. I use orthotics, and also exercise to try to keep everything strong around the dodgy joints. I find that if I spend 5 minutes or so wiggling my feet before I get up that helps, and also try to do calf stretches twice a day (v simple, just standing on an incline for a few minutes).

[Hidden]

Gosh, I had no idea so many have feet problems with RA. My feet are dreadful! There is very little tissue for padding on the ball of the foot, so orthotics are the only way I can walk at all. Cannot stand to walk in stocking feet, even on the carpet. I do keep slippers that are well padded and with an arch support. Prefer to live in them, but sometimes I do have to go out!

The arthritis in my feet has bent and twisted and moved my toes into really amzing position. Very difficult to find a decent dress shoe. One of my favorite shoes for everyday is a tie oxford by Dr. Scholls, with built in arch, so I don't even have to put the orthotic in them. And very inexpensive, at a multi-purpose store, such as WalMart here.

I do the exercises as Polly stated, just to try to keep my ankles flexible, which hurt all the time. Recently discovered can't stand to cross my ankles while in recliner. Apparantly bending the ankle too much. Another to deal with!

Good luck, Loret

[Tinwoman2]

I had a time when I felt as though I was walking on glass with every step that I took. I made an emergency appt and my Dr put me on a prednisone burst. That took care of it, but like Loret, I have very little padding on the ball of my foot. I need to get new orthotics, but where to find the money...

[CaroleHe]

Yes, my feet are my worst bit too. I can't walk barefoot indoors but I have got a lovely pair of fur lined Crocs that are very comfortable. Outside I just wear trainers, not very elegant but the least painful shoes to wear at the moment. I have been told that the RA has damaged the soft tissue in my foot, causing my arch to drop and my foot to turn inwards. Sometimes it is very painful and makes the outside of my leg ache all the way up to my knee. I have been waiting for a referral to a podiatrist since 19th October but I recently found out that they podiatry department didn't receive it. So I have got to wait for the whole process to start again.

I am really fed up about the delay. I find that the NHS are great once you finally get to see someone but often have to wait a long ime or the first appointment. I can't buy any new shoes until I get this sorted because I will probably need orthotics and I'm not only in pain but missing the sales too!