Does anyone else experience this foot pain?

You're absolutely not alone in experiencing such excruciating foot pain ! Like hand pains, feet pains happen early on and in majority of people that have RA. Have you been able to talk with your doctor regarding that type of pain? I can imagine it is very hard for you to walk on your feet now. I thought that this article, that shares different community members personal experience with foot pain, would resonate with you: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/how-does-ra-affect-your-feet/ Wishing you some well deserved relief! Gently, Ashley (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member)

Hi ,

I'm not sure if that pain you're describing is like the one I experienced but does it feel like you're walking on pins and needles? Is it the worst in the morning? I had this foot pain a couple of years ago and it turned out to be plantar fasciitis. Based on the research I've done, I think it is related to RA but I would bring it up with your doctor and see what they say.

If you do have plantar fasciitis, it's pretty easy to cure. I wore gym/running shoes more often than not and I used a boot like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WRP2Q7D/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_zu9YEb25KBE8J) every moment that I was at home. Within 6 months it was gone and it hasn't returned since!

All the best,
Franki (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

Hi ,

I have had intense foot pain with my RA. Sometimes it is more of a dull ache, but at other times I have had intense pain that may be what you are experiencing. I've had this due to two reasons: the plantar fasciitis that Franki referenced and bunions. While these are both conditions that can happen to anyone, my rheumatologist told me that RA exacerbates these and can make a person more likely to experience them.

Plantar fasciitis felt like I was getting stabbed in the foot and was excruciating. Luckily, high doses of anti-inflammatory meds and doing the exercises I was given made it go away over time. One of the exercises was rolling my foot over a frozen water bottle, which simultaneously exercised the area and iced it.

With the bunions, my doctor told me there isn't anything that can be done until I'm at the point to have it surgically remedied. I am very careful about the shoes I buy, as shoes that put any pressure on my bunions are very painful. I have to opt for brands with a wide toe box. I also use a shoe stretcher for leather shoes that aren't quite wide enough.

Be sure to discuss the pain you're having with your doctor so that s/he can help find options that might help. I hope you find some relief soon!

Wishing you all the best,
Tamara