I have mentioned my poor feet in the past and have got some Sketchers - which do help. However, I am told by my rheumy that it is nothing to do with PMR == ready for this : it is wear and tear in my feet and oohh you have high arches!!! Funny really I've had them all my life.
He is referring me to podiatry for advise. How nice.
Right now having a wonderful burning sensation on tops of both feet and tender soles. I am actually sitting down by the way.
Any advice??? Should I see my GP?
Feeling sorry for myself, sorry everyone.
Cath
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My feet hurt with PMR - and he is WRONG! The Leeds research group did a study - and, gosh, feet and hands can be involved in PMR. Well, who'd have thought?
I did get orthotics from one podiatrist which helped a lot, hard carbon fibre things which would only fit in flat shoes a size bigger than I normally needed, but that wasn't the PMR problem at the time, the back of the ankles of my very high-arched feet was deformed apparently so I wasn't standing right. It is common in such high-arched feet she said - and I believe her, she really knew her stuff. The previous attempt at a different hospital had been an utter and complete waste of time and NHS money.
The PMR pain was only eased by wearing heavy lace-up Meindl walking shoes - very fetching with a dress... After about 6 months on pred it had improved a lot - tendonitis and synovitis probably. The soles of my feet permanently felt as if they had been sandpapered - and that sensation does some back occasionally even now but it is very rare thank goodness.
I also have high-arched insteps! Are you sure you're not my long lost twin!
Had my shoes built up as young teenager - as you say very fetching lace up shoes - and so embarrassing at that age!
A couple of years ago my podiatrist suggested I see orthotics people in hospital / we were discussing my arthritic knee pain. GP was a bit sceptical and although did refer me warned that after all these years it might throw knee/hip out of alignment.
I did get orthotic supports from hospital and wore them all that winter in boots - okay. Summer came and they were discarded. Next winter used them again and this time made pains in knee and lower back - sacroiliac joint - much worse! Might just be coincidence, but as the sandals are out again the orthotics are back in the cupboard for the time being. We'll see what next winter brings!
I remember one particularly hideous pair of school shoes that were handed down to me - at least 4 rows of lacing. They were absolutely awful - really hurt the top of my feet! Buying shoes has always been utter hell - wide feet, high instep and narrow ankles! Nothing ever fits - except my desperately expensive Ecco summer sandals which I wear from March to October, November if I can swing it...
I also have involvement of both my feet and hands, so it's reassuring that the Leeds research group found a connection with PMR. In the beginning I couldn't find much evidence about feet and hands being involved, but my GP reeled off a list of PMR signs and symptoms, which included problems with feet and hands.
So interesting. I have something very similar I hadn't really associated it with the PMR pretty sure I've had at the same time 4 to 5 years I will read all the posts. The wardrobe is full of shoes I keep buying trying to find a pair that I can wear. Thank you so much to everybody who leaves on here because it is so interesting and so helpful good wishes to everyone.
My feet hurt with PMR - and he is WRONG! The Leeds research group did a study - and, gosh, feet and hands can be involved in PMR. Well, who'd have thought?
I did get orthotics from one podiatrist which helped a lot, hard carbon fibre things which would only fit in flat shoes a size bigger than I normally needed, but that wasn't the PMR problem at the time, the back of the ankles of my very high-arched feet was deformed apparently so I wasn't standing right. It is common in such high-arched feet she said - and I believe her, she really knew her stuff. The previous attempt at a different hospital had been an utter and complete waste of time and NHS money.
The PMR pain was only eased by wearing heavy lace-up Meindl walking shoes - very fetching with a dress... After about 6 months on pred it had improved a lot - tendonitis and synovitis probably. The soles of my feet permanently felt as if they had been sandpapered - and that sensation does some back occasionally even now but it is very rare thank goodness.
HI PMRPro. Thanks goodness for the search feature on this forum. I knew I had read something regarding PMR and foot pain.
I think you know my history well enough, however, in terms of my current general status, I've been 'My PMR Normal' for about a year now. In all that time I've reduced prednisone from 15 to 10.5 mg and just beginning a drop to 10 mg. My main issue has always been, and continues to be, my heavy, weak, mostly useless legs!
About five days ago I suddenly developed pain in my left foot when walking. It seems to be centered in the arch. A few days later I woke up with pain in my right arch. Not as bad as the left, but certainly noticeable. Both ease a bit after walking and taking prednisone. However, the left remains bad enough to cause a limp.
Like you, I have high arches, narrow heels, and wide feet. (I've noticed we are twins in many respects). I've always worn sensible shoes, never high heels of any sort. My favorite sandals for decades were Mephisto. My reward for all this has been bunions, inherited from my father's genes.
When I first developed issues with my legs, 6 or so years before PMR diagnosis, one of the docs recommended orthopedic inserts. They didn't help with the legs, but I've worn them pretty consistently in my sensible laced-up cold weather shoes.
As you know, my life now is centered in Panama, returning to Canada when the weather warms. Ergo, I'm living in sandals. About a year ago I switched from Mephisto to Birkenstock, because my maturing bunions affect my ability to find a comfortable fit with Mephisto.
Over the last few hot days, while out pruning trees and bushes, I resorted to the sensible cold weather shoes, with inserts, and they help greatly. So much so I'm wearing them in the house.
My dilemma is in deciding whether this is PMR related, or have the Birkenstock sandals and/or lack of wearing orthotics caused the problem? And should I continue with the reduction to 10 mg?
In the meantime the cold weather shoes have become hot weather shoes. There are no stores in our little town that carry any type of sandal with removable insoles. I may try ordering a pair online.
No chance of a local shoemaker? We have them here - and given one is either in bed or in shoes sometimes it is worth the cost. I imagine Panama might be cheaper?
We have one who makes made-to-measure insoles but they are to fit sandals with velcro closures - and I find they have no "body" at all, I wanted solid tops...
I don't think I would go further - for the moment at least.
Isn't it a bit wet with you at present? Looked it on Sky News world weather at least...
Based on your response, I gather you feel it's a foot alignment issue? That's what my gut is telling me. However, I'll hold off on any reductions just in case.
After I posted, I dug out an old pair of very pricey Mephisto sandals from my cupboard that still fit and have removable insoles!😀 Not sure how effective my relatively old orthotics are, but will continue with them for now.
Where are you placing me with the weather check? Yes, it's the rainy season in Panama, however, I'm in Hay River for the Canadian summer. We've had a little rain here the last few days, which is really needed as it's very dry with high forest fire ratings. The last summer I spent here we suffered for months with smoke from fires in Yellowknife and Fort Smith. Hoping that doesn't happen again this year. All it takes is a thunderstorm and lightening strikes. We're having one right now.🤞
LOL. 😂Actually, except for the forest fires, mosquitoes, and bulldogs (aka deer flies, horseflies, big honking black flies that take a chunk out of you), summers here are longer and warmer than you might think.
Right now it's running with highs between 20 and 24C . July can be scorching hot with temps well into the 30+C range. Things begin to cool off again in August, and September is beautiful with no bugs and moderate temperatures. Then the snow begins to fall in October and continues until May. We'll be back in Panama in late October.😎
Currently, the sun is shining when I get up at 5 am and is still high in the sky when I go to bed at 9 or 10 pm. Although the days are now getting shorter it still doesn't truly get dark overnight. More like a twilight in the 'darkest' hours.
Like Scotland but it isn't big flies, it's tiny pesky meskies - which you inhale all too easily. Not so forest-firey though - rains too much.
As a student, about half way up Scotland in Dundee, I went into a film at midnight, reading a paper standing in the queue and continued at 3am when I came out. Even lighter further north
Yup me too, feet were one of things I noticed first, walking the dog was being increasingly painful and the same sensation that I get now in my hips and back like a really intense dull aching pain. Thinking back I also started having trouble wearing heels a couple of years ago, the arches of my feet were excruciatingly painful even after a short while and I used to wear killer heels no problem! In fact as I too have very high arches I find shoes with a heel more comfortable...not any more!!
One weird thing that did confuse me was that when I saw Mr Hughes at Chertsey he said PMR rarely affects below the waist or the hands. Not what I understood at all...
I know, this is what caused me a lot of confusion after that appointment, he also said if 'if I was to tell you that PMR doesn't really happen in people of your age what would you say?' And I said, I think you'd be mistaken! But I know he has treated people younger than me for it. Hence why my head was a bit messed up afterwards. Not sure whether to see him again after all the results of the tests and the outcome or just stick with the consultant at RBH, they are both pretty emphatic about what they think I have...RA type autoimmune or PMR....we'll see!!
Hi absolutely had pain in my feet (stiffness) before taking prednisone. Even had a little after. I also had a lot of pain in my Achilles, so PMR does effect below the knees.
Although podiatry and subsequent orthotics did help me a lot pre PMR there are some charlatans out there who really fleece you and charge mega bucks. My podiatrist does not even charge for an appointment if he feels he cannot help. And then his orthotics were a quarter the price of someone else locally. Good chap!!
My first known symptom that I would attribute to pmr. Felt hot sore throbbing and like needles in soles. Had to crawl (outdoors!) To ease pain at all.
I have painful feet also. Was not sure which of my many ailments was to blame. I have found summer sandals by Thierry Robotin ( made in Italy) to be a godsend. They are pricey but have a good arch . They last forever. Also Rieker made in England are comfortable ( style 46778).
I have burning feet ( scarlet in colour) too, then they peel. This symptom predates my PMR diagnosis by some years and disappeared on the higher doses of Pred only to return now, even as we speak.
I haven't really discussed the foot symptom but she knows that I had Psoriasis in my ears and on my feet prior to diagnosis. I'll mention it next time. The troublesome ear thing went with the Pred I even produce earwax now, first time in years. There is a certain amount of mopping up of niggles with Pred I think.
It certainly occurred to me with all my desperate googling before the PMR diagnosis. They discounted it, I am not sure on what grounds. Maybe because it was confined to those two areas and didn't spread.
Thanks though. At the end of the day everything is just a person's opinion. Sometimes our own opinion is spot on.
Funny isn't it - I have never had psoriasis in my life but the guy I saw in Bishop Auckland was determined it would be PsA not PMR. Almost as if PMR was beneath him.
Sounds like Plantar Fasciitis to me. I have it and constantly feel as if I am running with bare feet on Brighton beach! Of course it could be any number of things but Several PMR sufferers seem to have this.
Mine was definitely not plantar fasciitis - it felt like my feet were squashed into shoes a few sizes too small and then I was walking on a mix of sharp pebbles and broken glass...
I was referred to a podiatrist by the OT to whom I was sent for my RA. Podiatrist recommended Hotter shoes but after looking at the price I decided I would have to suffer a bit longer! However, a friend with a well stocked shoe cupboard - and the same sized feet as me - gave me a pair to try. Absolute bliss! Orthotics had just made things more difficult and BH (before Hotter ) I would try on several pairs of shoes each day before I could get out of the door. I have now acquired another pair plus sandals (bought online - so cheaper) . Sorry if this sounds like an advert but they have made such a difference.
I don't know whether PMR has exacerbated my foot problems , though they are certainly more swollen in summer than previously, but I have several friends of similar vintage to me who do not have PMR but have equally painful feet.
You aren't the only person to love their Hotters! They are the wrong shape for my feet but I like Ecco. If you think Hotter are expensive...
My husband can stick his feet in anything that approximately fits and never has a problem and refuses to spend on shoes. I, on the other hand, look at it this way: if you aren't in your bed you are in your shoes so you need to get both right!
Thanks everybody - it seems like you pay your money anf takes your pick. All I know is that I had no foot problems pre PMR had been taking pred for over 2 years before these problems appeared. Hey ho such is life xx
Good morning, I am having the same burning sensation, with very stiff ankles, when I rang the arthritus society they said it could be rheumatoid arthritus. Paid privately to see a rheumatlogist, who felt the problemt was coming from the problems in my back. Have asked the question today, can PMR morph into rheumatoid arthritus - going to get a second opinion.
I have both PMR and Rheumatoid arthritis. They are very similar in pain type but in my case, the RA is
in my hands, wrists, Ankles, elbows generally the large joints except knees which have Osteoarthritis to add a bit excitement to the mix!
PMR on the other hand attacks my muscular and tendon system, especially thighs, upper arms, plus neck, and right across my back from shoulder to shoulder. Sometimes my ribs feel sore but not always.
A rip roaring mess I would describe the whole caboodle!
I have Fat Pad Atrophy on my right foot and it can cause terrible pain and certain Skechers do help...that is when the padding across the ball of foot is gone and you are down to bone on bone... standing doesn't hurt me... just bending the foot... if you have pain in both feet I would see a podiatrist it could be a number of things. Some people have FPA with not much pain at all...there is NO treatment at the moment for it... they have tried Botox & silicone which didn't work at all ... the only thing one can do is wear lots of memory foam type shoes. I also have a high arch.
That was my diagnosis from a local podiatrist (I live in a small town) so my son set me up with a big shot podiatrist in Dallas who is a friend of his and he said yes I do have FPA but he also suspected that my pain was coming from a pinched nerve between my toes and he gave me a cortisone shot between the toes and said if it relieved the pain then it was a nerve as he suspected. After 3 days the pain was gone so now I am having surgery in July to fix the nerve and also repair my bad little toe on the same foot as I haven't been able to wear shoes for months mostly due to the little toe which has been broken many times over the years and never reset properly.
Be sure to see a good Podiatrist he may have a simple answer for your pain... nothing worse than sore feet...I was just pointing out that you might need 2 opinions also... my diagnoses were quite different as my local Podiatrist missed the nerve possibility.
An answer to my problem?. I was coming down from 30 mgms Prednisone to 20 on the first day I had really bad pain in my left foot especially the ball of the foot went back up to 30 mgms but with no relief. My Primary Doctor on vacation for 2 weeks (naturally) Juggling with meds and realized Pred. had no effect on the pain. I do not have high arches or ever had foot problems. I have been wearing sneakers for the last few weeks and these seem to help. It's 95 degrees and humid here so I want to get back to sandals ASAP. It seems as though this might be associated with PMR but the prednisone does not help. I now have pain in both feet and they are red. with some swelling. My primary now back does not know very much about PMR and wants me to see the Rheumatologist in the mean time he has given me Oxycodone. At least I know I am not alone with this problem and now I have happy pills. I am so glad I found this forum and know that my feet are not alone.
Seems to be a worldwide aberration that eminent medics don't know much about PMR but the people who do know lots and lots about it - the sufferers- are mere plebs warranting only being ignored and cast aside.
I too have had sore feet since the start of PMR. Podiatrist told me it was not the PMR! I have learned to apply KT tape (kinesiology tape) effectively to my feet...particularly my left foot...and it works great. Also, I have 4 pairs of Asics tennis shoes that I rotate all the time. Now and then I can wear a sandal or other shoe, like out to dinner...but no walking! I also have "Superfeet" in all my tennis shoes (less expensive and just as effective as the custom inserts). Of course we all have different feet...mine are flat!! Trial and error with shoes and inserts should help sort it out...will take time.
This thread is one after my own heart, or should I say feet. Have had "bad" feet forever, I was born with them (Morton's foot with a side serving of weak arches and pronation). They tried to get me to do special exercises when I was four, but being the world's most intransigent child I wouldn't cooperate. Now when I go to any medical specialist and say I feel like with every step I take there is a burning knife being pushed into the top of my foot the answers I get: from GP, blank stare, no comment; from podiatrist, "It sounds like arthritis" - only it isn't a bit like OA or PMR or descriptions I've read of RA; and physiotherapist, the only reasonable suggestion, "could be an entrapped nerve". What to do? If I walk 10,000 steps a day, 5000 of them could be, on a bad day, taken with a side serving of stabbing, burning pain.
I have had ankle problems that started about the same time as my PMR six years ago and I have posted quite a few questions on this forum concerning them. I have high arches and suffered from plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and very sore achillies tendons, at one stage psoriatic arthritis as suspected. I tried all the exercises under the sun but they got worse.
Eventually after a lot of pain and visits to doctors I was diagnosed with Haglund's Deformity and I am recovering from my second ankle operation to cure it. The first operation on the first ankle was very successful. Haglund's Deformity is a growth on the ankle bone that protrudes into the inside of the achillies tendon causing lot of irritation and pain. If you have a bump on the back of your heel you may have it. It is also known as 'pump bump' and in the early stages it can be corrected with exercises and shoes but mine got so bad I could only walk very short distances.
What I have learned from the whole palaver was that going to a good podiatrist is well worth it and that x-rays are a very good idea. I had to insist on them in the end because everyone was trying to treat me without knowing what was going on inside. The good podiatrist (as opposed to one not so good podiatrist) referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who took one look at the x-rays and diagnosed me straight away.
Although the condition I had is not directly related to PMR, I believe that the muscle pain and stiffness we suffer from affects our gait and that leads to foot problems.
Hopefully once my ankles are sorted out I can concentrate on my PMR again.
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Sensitive feet.
Freezing cold feet and legs
Hot feet 
Aching and sore hands and feet
