Any Advice? | Arthritis Information

 

Hey everyone. Im new to this board, joined last week and posted a new topic because I just got diagnosed with RA last week. :(

So, its mainly in my feet. Oh my does it hurt. :(

Apart from the medication Im taking can anyone give me any useful hints and tips to try and releve the pain? Or anything at all would be appreciated. So far I know to keep my shoes on indoors and soak my feet but does anyone else have it mainly in their feet and can give me ANY advice which may help me? Like stretches or whatever.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate this forum and Im so grateful that I can share what Im going through with others the same as me.

soft comfy shoes is a must.  If you can get CROCS they are super soft and comfortable, a lot of folks on this site use them.  Raise your feet when you're not on them helps keep the swelling down.Heat mainly. I have slippers which can be put in the microwave and then worn. It's heaven.... and ice obv. when they are swollen.

Hi Cargo

What RA meds are you on? They can take a while to kick in. I've been using chilled blue gel packs, I just find cold more comforting than heat. For pain relief 2 paracetomol x 3-4 a day works for me if I keep it up during the course of a flare.

I find that cold is good too, although I did buy a parrafin wax bath that is lovely.

Hi Pin

Lovely day in SE UK again eh? Hope you're able to get out and enjoy it, get the sun on those pins!

Am I contrary?......I feel so much better in warm weather and feel myself tensing up when it's cold which can give me aches and pains BUT give me a cold pack or ask me to get something out of the freezer when I'm hurting and I can't get enough of it - any time of year!

There are physical therapy exercises for people with foot problems. For instance, I see this one all the time in PT. They will have some one take off their shoes and put marbles in a jar to help build up those musles in your feet.

Pursue everything that can help. It does take time for the meds to help. It is not out of line to ask for some kind of pain relief until those meds kick into action.

HI Cargo,
I saw on another post your referral said you have plantar faciitis, a common foot condition and super common in people with RA.This can be hugely relieved by orthotics. While you're waiting for those orthotics, you can go to the drug store and get some cheap arch supports that may provide some relief.
For Plantar Faciitis.....I used to freeze 2 bottles of water, roll it them back and forth under my foot.  Feels great, and doing exercise at the same time.  Also, get a racquetball (they seem to be the right firmness) and roll that around under foot, back and forth.  When sitting in a chair, hold foot out, and have your foot write the alphabet in the air....Upper case and lower case....that exercise helps a lot too.  Roll a dish towel up, and roll the towel close to your body, then further away, using toes.......... And I did have orthotics made for me.  I love them.Debrakay39155.7925578704

shoes like everyone has mentioned.  Be sure to try several brands when your feet are swollen to find the pair that is right for you.

elevate them

massage and epson salt soaks,  rolling the frozen bottles of water work well, so does rolling a tennis ball

nice foot massage..its even nicer if provided by your honey

weight control..every extra pound puts a lot of pressure on the feet

exercise...stronger leg muscles  help to take the strain from the feet and puts the balance control up towards higher and bigger muscles

support stockings again help with the swelling

thanks alot for all ur advice. so is this a hard thing to get rid of then? :(Cargo, I'm afraid RA cannot be got rid of right now but we all live in hope of a medical breakthrough. You can however make life better by helping yourself with excercise etc - there are loads of good tips from folks on here. Swimming is good but avoid cold water.
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