First RA symptom.
The bottom of my feet were exceedingly painful was the first sign for me.
I just went to the podiatrist because the balls of my feet as well as my hands/wrists were my first symptoms. Lucky for me, no major damage. He had me get metatarsal pads AND told me how to use them correctly which was totally not how I thought they worked, lol. Also gave me recommendations for new types of shoes. The pads have made a huge difference! He explained they are to be used like a car tire jack, NOT on the place where it actually hurts but more next to it to provide relief. So if you can get to a podiatrist at least you might be able to get some medical advice for your specific situation. It helped me and gave me some piece of mind that my feet are not as trashed as my hands and wrists.
ibd/ibs symptoms were first for me. then the feet, then the ankles and knees, then shoulder and elbow. digestive issues are a common early warning sign. how was your digestive system before the foot issues?
I had been on low Fodmap and was almost at the end of reintroduction. Low Fodmap helped a lot, did it at gastroenterologist suggestion due to bloating, etc. I agree with you that the gut micro biome is likely a cont of many autoimmune conditions. I’m sure this site has links to some of the research that is ongoing in this area. 
Hi
. Were you ever diagnosed with either IBD or IBS? I also want to note that they are different and that IBD is autoimmune, while IBS is not. We have sister-sites for these condition at https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/ and https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ respectively. Our patient leader Amanda is also diagnosed with a form of IBD (Crohn's) and wrote here about RA and GI conditions: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/ibs-restroom-tips. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Ouch! I am sure that had to be unpleasant,
! Has your foot pain improved since you''ve been diagnosed and have been receiving treatment?
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Yes, I use organic white chopped onions in a separate set of shoes when I go for a walk with my dog and my feet are now supple and pain free. When done walking I remove socks and clean shoes. I also use L-Glutamine to heal my leaky gut and it works great. Hope the best for everyone who are facing RA challenges.
