Help! - Any ideas? My feet are so bad in the morning I can hardly stand - I've had RA for 30 years - took gold shots until a couple of years ago now on methotrexade. The RA Dr was a jerk - he didn't have time to help me when I was flared up last year so I went back to my regular dr who at least cared.
Have you been to a podiatrist? I went a few years ago and he took x-rays by having me stand on the machine. He said I had the biggest heel spurs he had ever seen (plantar faciatis). He sold me 0 insoles which were a waste of money. They gave me a couple of exercises to do. One was to stand on the edge of a step and stretch my heel (the tendon) another was to freeze a small bottle of water and roll my feet on it while watching tv or something - I cannot do that one because of my raynauds's. The best treatment I have found is steroid injections right in the joint by my rheumy. Everyone told me it would hurt so bad, more than a shot anywhere else, but he sprays freezy stuff on skin first and the relief is amazing. So very worth it! I also never can go barefoot. Crocs and birks have been lifesavers.
Lauren, can you find a topical NSAID that works until you get yourself to a new specialist or until your regular doctor can find something that works for you? Would biologicals help with the pain more than just the MTX?
Mineral Ice (menthol 2%) works wonders for my knees in the morning, but since I'm returning to the classroom and don't want my students to smell me before they see me, I've been experimenting with some of the OTC topicals that now advertise a "vanishing scent." I like the Ben Gay (menthol 2.5%) so far, and the smell honestly does vanish after you apply it.
Best of luck to you--I'm sorry you are in so much pain.
Christina
Hi Lauren, If I read your post correctly, it sounds as if you haven't seen your RD since last year. If that's the case you need to get an appt. with a RD ASAP. Have you had xrays of your feet? How about your labs because you're on MXT? It could be any number of reasons for the foot pain and RA may not be the culprit. LindyI have had foot problems since the start of my RA. I had been to foot doctors and they didn't help. I had one cortisone shot and it hurt so bad--helped for about 2 hours and then did nothing. What happens with RA is the fat pads on the bottom of your feet disappear. I cannot walk bare foot at all-it is basically bone hitting floor--OUCH! 2nd foot dr. ordered orthotics but they were hard--like fiberglass--they hurt more!!! They were useless and I threw them out--all 0 worth. The RA doctor had a card from someone else who does orthotics and I quizzed him before I made the appointment. He did a foot mold and they are a cork orthotic with a cushion. My insurance covered the entire cost of these. I do use those in my sneaks and they are good but not as good as my Birkenstocks--after they are broken in. I tried Earth Shoes and thought they would be good but my Birks are the best. I was told I had plantar facitisis but I don't think I did and the RA dr. agrees with me--it is the RA. You do need a good arch support in your shoes. I soak my feet often because they hurt so much, my ankles swell all the time. No easy answer. Wow. Why become a doctor if you don't care about your patients?? That makes no sense to me. I agree with the others, find a new RD. And I think a podiatrist is a good idea too.I was introduced to a product by a podiatrist, Fortex Oil! You just rub it on any joint that hurts. It works best where you do not have a lot of meat like hands and feet and less well on big joints knees. He happened to be out of it and sent me to Walgreens, and they were out too. Other products contain menthol, but not this big percentage.
I found it on the net
http://www.footdrhorsley.com/eShop/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY& amp;Store_Code=TFS&Category_Code=4901
I have ordered from Dr Horsley at least 3 time. It always comes within a week.
I also have custom orthotics and have had cortisone shots. My rhuemys have not been all that helpful. But podiatists have helped me.
If you do want orthotics, they are expensive. They won't fit in a lot of shoes. Ask to try OTC type before you buy a custom of that type. I really believe RA people should only were soft cushy orthotics.
Hi, Oh dear I know that pain, and am so sorry. After 30 years with this disease you prob. already know the breakthroughs in help. We have so many new drugs that stop the pain, and stop the RA from ruining our joints. Please oh, please, SEE an RA doc Immediately!! You will have to beg for a quick appointment *maybe, but please start. If you are willing to be 'on call' they will work you in when you tell them how much pain you are in...
This disease is not to be messed with and you need to start today. Good luck, Lynda
Also:
Hi, I spent a lot of money on foot doctors BEFORE I went to an RA doctor and it was a waste of money. I still have orthotics, but they don't help me. I'd suggest the RA doc, first. Lynda
I agree with seeing a podiatrist if you haven't already done so. My feet are the most painful part of my body affected by arthritis and its no fun. However I have gotten a lot more help and relief from my podiatrist than from anyone else.I hope you get a good new Dr. soon too Lauren, you may have a lot of damage after 30 years
I've had foot pain and soreness for about 10 yrs but it doesn't sound like ra or spurs. Mine are just sore when I first get up in the mornings for about 5 minutes, I hobble to the bathroom and around thinking I'm going to fall and then it just goes away. And its not all the time, just occasionally, my gyno seems to think its hormone related, (*shrugs*) don't remember know why. Any way good luck and welcome to the board
RA has affected my feet as well. I went the orthotic route. It was painful at first but then my feet sort of adjusted to the new arches. I still have problems going barefoot. Carpets over hardwood floors help some.
Hope you find some relief soon.
Catnip2,
Thanks for reminding me about Birkenstocks. I use to wear them all the time before my RA diagnosis. I can't remember why I stopped. I think I will have to dig out my old pair and give them a try.
Do you know who manufacturers the cork orthotics you had custom fitted?
Hi Lauren,
I had the same pain for nearly a year. It's awful! I went to 2 "pedorthist" stores where they sell orthotics and special shoes for foot pain, and nothing helped. Also went to a GOOD podiatrist who immediately suspected that it was the RA. He suggested strapping, insoles, etc., but I'm allergic to adhesives, and all insoles HURT. So I got on the internet and found a pair of shoes that sounded good. They're big frumpy sneakers, but when I wear them, my arches don't hurt. They're Saucony Progrid Stabil LE 4 and they're made for people with diabetes and other medical problems.
I wish you luck in finding relief. It can be expensive and frustrating.
Ellie