Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
RA and your feet
avatar
SanTanValleyGirl posted:
Hi Everyone! My name is Lea Ann and I am 45 yrs old. Quick run down, about 6 months ago I went to the Podiatrist due to major foot pain. That Doctor took xrays and immediately referred me to a Specialist in RA due to the bones in my feet looking like swiss cheese. I went, several tests done, positive diagnoses for RA. Was told it is aggressive. Since then I have been put on several different meds. My question is.. My feet have been effected the most..Am I the only one that this has started in the feet first? I also have A LOT of fatigue, general achiness all of the time. Mind you~ I CAN walk much better than I have since all this started~So I know the meds are working to control the pain most of the time. There I am lucky I know. The other pain~back, hips, knees etc they don't really comment on at the Doctors when I mention it. Is this because they are concerned more of my feet since that is where the most damage is?


*Also I do though want to recommend the Skechers tone-up shoes. Without them I would have not been moving around at all.


I do want to say I admire each and every one of you for dealing with this each and every day. THANK YOU to the WebMD for having this site (board) for me to come too. I have read some really great advice and it has helped me understand something I hadnt understood before. THANK YOU ALL for being here and helping me =}
109 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:RA and your feet<i>Hi Everyone! My name is Lea Ann and I am 45 yrs old. Quick run down, about 6 months ago I went to the Podiatrist due to major foot pain. That Doctor took xrays and immediately referred me to a Specialist in RA due to the bones in my feet looking like swiss cheese. I went, several tests done, positive diagnoses for RA. Was told it is aggressive. Since then I have been put on several different meds. My question is.. My feet have been effected the most..Am I the only one that this has started in the feet first? I also have A LOT of fatigue, general achiness all of the time. Mind you~ I CAN walk much better than I have since all this started~So I know the meds are working to control the pain most of the time. There I am lucky I know. The other pain~back, hips, knees etc they don't really comment on at the Doctors when I mention it. Is this because they are concerned more of my feet since that is where the most damage is?</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>*Also I do though want to recommend the Skechers tone-up shoes. Without them I would have not been moving around at all.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>I do want to say I admire each and every one of you for dealing with this each and every day. THANK YOU to the WebMD for having this site (board) for me to come too. I have read some really great advice and it has helped me understand something I hadnt understood before. THANK YOU ALL for being here and helping me =}</i>
Reply
FirstPrevious12345NextLast
 
avatar
RAWarrior responded:
Dear Lea Ann,

My RA started in my feet too. I have learned that it can start anywhere including non-joints (organs). Here is a link to a list of syptoms that people have had as the 1st symptom of RA. You will be shocked - click here .

Are you on treatment? The other joints you mention are being treated systemically if you are. However, the docs should still be interested in examining them. Many RA symptoms can be addressed individually also such as with injections or braces or surgeries...

Good luck to you.

Kelly
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetDear Lea Ann,<br /> <br />My RA started in my feet too. I have learned that it can start anywhere including non-joints (organs). Here is a link to a list of syptoms that people have had as the 1st symptom of RA. You will be shocked - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://rawarrior.com/what-is-the-first-symptom-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/">click here</a> .<br /> <br />Are you on treatment? The other joints you mention are being treated systemically if you are. However, the docs should still be interested in examining them. Many RA symptoms can be addressed individually also such as with injections or braces or surgeries...<br /> <br />Good luck to you. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/grin.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://rawarrior.com/">Kelly</a>
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to RAWarrior's response:
Hi- I am new to these discussions but can relate to the foot pain. Was dx'ed with RA 3 months ago and my feet and ankles have been my downfall. I would really like to connect with people who share my story. I have a lot of hope and was glad to have a name to put to the symptoms. I am on sc Meth for 2 weeks now and hope to feel some improvement. Patience, patience patience.
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetHi- I am new to these discussions but can relate to the foot pain. Was dx'ed with RA 3 months ago and my feet and ankles have been my downfall. I would really like to connect with people who share my story. I have a lot of hope and was glad to have a name to put to the symptoms. I am on sc Meth for 2 weeks now and hope to feel some improvement. Patience, patience patience.
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 responded:
Hi everyone, This is my first post and happy to be here.Not happy to have RA tho. I was dx'ed a year ago and my feet were the first to act up. The year before I kept losing my balance and staggering along when I would be walking .It was embarassing because I was afraid everyone would think I was drunk. A year later I was dx'ed. I take the methetraxate once a week and am on my 17th injection of Humira.The doctor said I may be one of the lucky 30% to go into remission..30% !! When my ankle swells up I get an injection in it from the foot doc..Swelling goes away and lasts about four months or so..Feet are aways sore and my right hand is the worse as far as pain goes..I'm going to try out the Skechers tone-up shoes..Have a good day today..Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetHi everyone, This is my first post and happy to be here.Not happy to have RA tho. I was dx'ed a year ago and my feet were the first to act up. The year before I kept losing my balance and staggering along when I would be walking .It was embarassing because I was afraid everyone would think I was drunk. A year later I was dx'ed. I take the methetraxate once a week and am on my 17th injection of Humira.The doctor said I may be one of the lucky 30% to go into remission..30% !! When my ankle swells up I get an injection in it from the foot doc..Swelling goes away and lasts about four months or so..Feet are aways sore and my right hand is the worse as far as pain goes..I'm going to try out the Skechers tone-up shoes..Have a good day today..Katie
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 replied to justcallmehopeful's response:
I have been on the methetraxate for almost a year now..no side-effects...On my 17th injection of humira..You didn't say if you were seeing a foot doctor..I don't know what I would do with-out mine..my ankle and top of my foot would swell and be so painful.I could hardly walk.. He gave me an injection in that area, {didn't hurt} and the pain nearly went away except for a little soreness..no swelling for months..I could walk almost normal..The excercises help..When you are sitting, draw out the letters in the alphabet with your feet..painful at first but keeps your feet flexable. Patience is the word alright. Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetI have been on the methetraxate for almost a year now..no side-effects...On my 17th injection of humira..You didn't say if you were seeing a foot doctor..I don't know what I would do with-out mine..my ankle and top of my foot would swell and be so painful.I could hardly walk.. He gave me an injection in that area, {didn't hurt} and the pain nearly went away except for a little soreness..no swelling for months..I could walk almost normal..The excercises help..When you are sitting, draw out the letters in the alphabet with your feet..painful at first but keeps your feet flexable. Patience is the word alright. Katie
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to Katie006's response:
No- I haven't been to a foot doctor yet. I was diagnosed in April and started on Prednisone which of course was like a miracle drug at first. My feet were totally pain free. But I know that isn't good to stay on so my rhuematologist put me on Meth. orally and it knocked me for a loop. Switched 2 weeks ago to injections and the side effects are lessened. Just really tired for a couple of days after. My feet don't swell. I just get terrible pain in my ankles. What a whiner, right? I am grateful for so much. Especially to connect with people on line for the first time.
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetNo- I haven't been to a foot doctor yet. I was diagnosed in April and started on Prednisone which of course was like a miracle drug at first. My feet were totally pain free. But I know that isn't good to stay on so my rhuematologist put me on Meth. orally and it knocked me for a loop. Switched 2 weeks ago to injections and the side effects are lessened. Just really tired for a couple of days after. My feet don't swell. I just get terrible pain in my ankles. What a whiner, right? I am grateful for so much. Especially to connect with people on line for the first time.
Reply
 
avatar
caf1936 responded:
Hi to all. I am interested in knowing what medication you are on. It sounds as though it does help your feet. I am on Metatrexate shots once a week and it does nothing to relieve the pain in my feet. I also am losing my eyelashes and eyebrows which I know is a side effect. I also have incurable cancer and am in remission but am feeling good except for my feet. I am looking for a solution.

This is my first time looking at this website and I am planning to check it often.

Thank you for all your help.

Carol
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetHi to all. I am interested in knowing what medication you are on. It sounds as though it does help your feet. I am on Metatrexate shots once a week and it does nothing to relieve the pain in my feet. I also am losing my eyelashes and eyebrows which I know is a side effect. I also have incurable cancer and am in remission but am feeling good except for my feet. I am looking for a solution.<br /> <br />This is my first time looking at this website and I am planning to check it often.<br /> <br />Thank you for all your help.<br /> <br />Carol
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to caf1936's response:
Hi Carol- I am on a small dose of Prednisone for a few more weeks and am on my fourth dose of Methotrexate. I took 2 by mouth and switched to injections 2 weeks ago. Had some relief from the Pred. but was told to be patient about the Meth.. My foot and ankle pain is worse in the morning and toward the end of the day. When I am at work and moving about it seems better.
I just started on this site a couple of days ago and look forward to hearing from you. Have a peaceful evening.
Diane
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetHi Carol- I am on a small dose of Prednisone for a few more weeks and am on my fourth dose of Methotrexate. I took 2 by mouth and switched to injections 2 weeks ago. Had some relief from the Pred. but was told to be patient about the Meth.. My foot and ankle pain is worse in the morning and toward the end of the day. When I am at work and moving about it seems better. <br />I just started on this site a couple of days ago and look forward to hearing from you. Have a peaceful evening.<br />Diane
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 replied to justcallmehopeful's response:
I don't know if I would be able to walk if not for the foot doctor..My left ankle was so painful..With the injection the pain nearly goes away and no swelling for months..I take eight methotraxate once a week and every two weeks I take an injection of Humira..I'm so much better..When this all started in March of last year I couldn't get up from a chair or couch without my husbands help..I couldn't turn the doorknob to open the door and many other things as you all know..I get depressed at times when I have a flareup but it does get better..You should have seen me when I was dx'ed..What a whiner I was!..I just cut down a huge cactus and I'm no spring chicken..ha..So don't lose heart, ok? Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetI don't know if I would be able to walk if not for the foot doctor..My left ankle was so painful..With the injection the pain nearly goes away and no swelling for months..I take eight methotraxate once a week and every two weeks I take an injection of Humira..I'm so much better..When this all started in March of last year I couldn't get up from a chair or couch without my husbands help..I couldn't turn the doorknob to open the door and many other things as you all know..I get depressed at times when I have a flareup but it does get better..You should have seen me when I was dx'ed..What a whiner I was!..I just cut down a huge cactus and I'm no spring chicken..ha..So don't lose heart, ok? Katie
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to Katie006's response:
Hi Katie- Thanks for the encouragement. I just got off the phone with the rheumatologist and he is the greatest. He is about 3 hours away so we talk by phone in between visits. I am so fortunate to have been referred to him. We are upping the Meth. injections to 25 mg this week. The nasty side effects are much less on the shots. Good for you with the cactus! I'm no spring chicken either and think we should applaud ourselves for what we can do. I am grateful for each day I can go to work and am building up energy for our trip to Chicago in June to see our 35 year old daughter graduate with honors from college.
Take care and watch out for those cactus!
Diane
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetHi Katie- Thanks for the encouragement. I just got off the phone with the rheumatologist and he is the greatest. He is about 3 hours away so we talk by phone in between visits. I am so fortunate to have been referred to him. We are upping the Meth. injections to 25 mg this week. The nasty side effects are much less on the shots. Good for you with the cactus! I'm no spring chicken either and think we should applaud ourselves for what we can do. I am grateful for each day I can go to work and am building up energy for our trip to Chicago in June to see our 35 year old daughter graduate with honors from college. <br />Take care and watch out for those cactus!<br />Diane
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 replied to justcallmehopeful's response:
I wish I could find a Rheumatologist like yours..I'm thinking about changing..I saw mine for a few minutes the first visit and from that point on I only see the nurse Pract...This past March was one year and I saw him for the second time..I never even heard of the meth. injections..I take the eight pills once a week..so far no problems with it..did you ever take the pills? Thats wonderful about your daughter..Bet you are bursting with pride..My hubby and I are going over to the west coast of florida next month and my brother-in-law and his wife are going also..near Tampa..We live on the East coast near cocoa beach...That oil spill may ruin our trip as far as the beach and fishing goes..What a mess that is..Where do you live? Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetI wish I could find a Rheumatologist like yours..I'm thinking about changing..I saw mine for a few minutes the first visit and from that point on I only see the nurse Pract...This past March was one year and I saw him for the second time..I never even heard of the meth. injections..I take the eight pills once a week..so far no problems with it..did you ever take the pills? Thats wonderful about your daughter..Bet you are bursting with pride..My hubby and I are going over to the west coast of florida next month and my brother-in-law and his wife are going also..near Tampa..We live on the East coast near cocoa beach...That oil spill may ruin our trip as far as the beach and fishing goes..What a mess that is..Where do you live? Katie
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to Katie006's response:
I live in Western Mass. in an area called The Berkshires. My rheumatologist is near Boston so I see him about every two months. My husband had surgery for prostate cancer there 3 years ago and they treat people from around the world, so I decided after being frustrated around here, that i would refer myself and luckily my insurance company Ok'ed it. I started out with the meth. pills but after 2 times the side effects were knocking me out. The injection is very easy to self admin and you don't get the intestinal side effects nearly as much and the med is absorbed better so it is more effective. I I take 20 mg and will be upping it to 25 mg on Friday. I also take 1 mg of Folic Acid daily.
We are so proud of our daughter. She left college and got married and had our grandaughter almost 14 years ago. She has worked ever since in pre-school and even directed one but decided it was time to finish what she started. So we will be partying in Chicago. she graduates on her birthday.
So sad about the oil spill. It is just amazing.
Take care. Diane
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetI live in Western Mass. in an area called The Berkshires. My rheumatologist is near Boston so I see him about every two months. My husband had surgery for prostate cancer there 3 years ago and they treat people from around the world, so I decided after being frustrated around here, that i would refer myself and luckily my insurance company Ok'ed it. I started out with the meth. pills but after 2 times the side effects were knocking me out. The injection is very easy to self admin and you don't get the intestinal side effects nearly as much and the med is absorbed better so it is more effective. I I take 20 mg and will be upping it to 25 mg on Friday. I also take 1 mg of Folic Acid daily.<br />We are so proud of our daughter. She left college and got married and had our grandaughter almost 14 years ago. She has worked ever since in pre-school and even directed one but decided it was time to finish what she started. So we will be partying in Chicago. she graduates on her birthday. <br />So sad about the oil spill. It is just amazing. <br />Take care. Diane
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 replied to justcallmehopeful's response:
Good for your daughter...never gave up her dream, did she? Nurse told me to take the folic acid to help prevent side-effects.Did you hear that also on why to take it? I remember many years ago that tar balls were all over the beach..almost impossible to get it off...They use Dawn dish soap to get it off the birds..Really hard to get it off when its between your toes...yuk ! I had that happen...getting ready to go jump in the pool and excercise some...Hope you have a good day..Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetGood for your daughter...never gave up her dream, did she? Nurse told me to take the folic acid to help prevent side-effects.Did you hear that also on why to take it? I remember many years ago that tar balls were all over the beach..almost impossible to get it off...They use Dawn dish soap to get it off the birds..Really hard to get it off when its between your toes...yuk ! I had that happen...getting ready to go jump in the pool and excercise some...Hope you have a good day..Katie
Reply
 
avatar
justcallmehopeful replied to Katie006's response:
Yes, the folic acid is to help the side effects. It was also suggested to keep pepto bismol handy for the digestive side effects which have been rough. I worked today and am happy to have my feet up right now. I envy you the pool. We have a short summer and I can't wait for our pool to open at the club so I can enjoy that. During the winter I go to an indoor community pool, but I love to be outside.
It was cold and rainy today, but I understand warm sunny weather is on its way for the next few days. I am looking forward to going down to visit our other daughter and her family in NJ for Memorial Day weekend. They live close to the ocean and it is my favorite spot.
It was nice to hear from you. Really hope the oil doesn't reach you. take care- Diane
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetYes, the folic acid is to help the side effects. It was also suggested to keep pepto bismol handy for the digestive side effects which have been rough. I worked today and am happy to have my feet up right now. I envy you the pool. We have a short summer and I can't wait for our pool to open at the club so I can enjoy that. During the winter I go to an indoor community pool, but I love to be outside.<br />It was cold and rainy today, but I understand warm sunny weather is on its way for the next few days. I am looking forward to going down to visit our other daughter and her family in NJ for Memorial Day weekend. They live close to the ocean and it is my favorite spot. <br />It was nice to hear from you. Really hope the oil doesn't reach you. take care- Diane
Reply
 
avatar
Katie006 replied to justcallmehopeful's response:
I'm really enjoying our talks..My youngins are a little older than yours..youngest is 40 and oldest is 46..Darn it all.. I don't feel "that" old..I have two boys from my first marriage and four step-children from my second marriage..we're very close..my one step-daughter says, you may not have borned me but you're my mommy..ha...Thank goodness my hand feels better today..wrist has been a big pain...Have you seen that infromercial on that cactus juice? can't remember the exact name..website is TriVita..will help any health problem if inflammation is involved..wonder if it would work..no doubt it is too expensive...sounds like bad news today on oil spill..it's in the current that will carry it around florida and up our coast..Well, my husband is going golfing in the morning so have to help him get ready..he can't find his shorts or his shirts..sure they are hanging up and if they were snakes they would bite him..later, Katie
Report This| Share this:RA and your feetI'm really enjoying our talks..My youngins are a little older than yours..youngest is 40 and oldest is 46..Darn it all.. I don't feel "that" old..I have two boys from my first marriage and four step-children from my second marriage..we're very close..my one step-daughter says, you may not have borned me but you're my mommy..ha...Thank goodness my hand feels better today..wrist has been a big pain...Have you seen that infromercial on that cactus juice? can't remember the exact name..website is TriVita..will help any health problem if inflammation is involved..wonder if it would work..no doubt it is too expensive...sounds like bad news today on oil spill..it's in the current that will carry it around florida and up our coast..Well, my husband is going golfing in the morning so have to help him get ready..he can't find his shorts or his shirts..sure they are hanging up and if they were snakes they would bite him..later, Katie
Reply


FirstPrevious12345NextLast
Back to Top
Back to Top

More from WebMD related to this Discussion

rheumatoid arthritis | irregular heartbeat | allergic reaction | prostate cancer | Methotrexate

See Related Pain Management Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Scott Zashin, MD Expert
Scott Zashin, MD is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School and maintains a private practice at Presb...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

mouth sores
I recently read that when one takes methotrexate as many of us do with RA and Sjogrens Syndrome, it can make your levels of folic acid drop ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
2 of 3 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All