Tips for preventing pain in feet?

millie78

Hi all

Woke this morning with agonising pain in my foot, toes, ankle, knee.

I was sure i'd broken something significant in my foot. I have RA and suffer bad in the feet. I've recently been seeing a podiatrist and had special insoles made as well as bought 'sensible shoes' she recommended from Hotters. The podiatrist confirmed that the ra has caused osteo-arthritis in my feet. And agreed that i'd probably broken my toes a few times by the look of their wonky state!

Anyway today, i went to minor injuries because i was convinced there was a bad break somewhere, they didn't xray because they think i have just broken my toes, so bound them up and sent me off doubling my pain killers.

Do any of you have advice on how to prevent this happening again? I thought i was doing all i could, by changing shoes and having special insoles, but it seems the simple act of walking is now breaking my toes. I walk a lot twice a day for the school run, and i enjoy doing that and feel the excercise does me good. But now i'm frightened in case i'm just going to keep breaking my toes and eventually destroy my feet altogether!

Please help!

stickywicket

This is a completely new one on me, millie. I've had RA for 51 years, resulting OA for goodness knows how many, been confined to using surgical shoes for about 45 years and have extremely odd-looking feet, one of which the podiatrist's foot scanner couldn't recognise as a foot. However, I've never heard of toes breaking on their own as a result of OA - or RA come to that though I have to concede that one of my hips did. I don't suppose you have osteoporosis do you? That might explain it. If I were in your situation, I'd be making an appointment with my GP to get to the bottom of this.

millie78

Oh that's interesting! Yes I shall make some enquiries.

millie78

So how on earth do u get around?

stickywicket

I keep putting one foot in front of the other The scanner mightn't recognise it as a foot but I do. For longer journeys I take my life in my hands and allow Mr SW to push me in my wheelchair :roll: . As for the broken hip - they gave me a new one.

millie78

I feel so trapped, as I have to get my children to school but two in a pram as well used to be my walking aid, but now I think pushing that up hill is what's breaking my toes! Feel like I can't win. I can't bear the thought of not being able to take the kids to school everyday.

stickywicket

What's the alternative, Millie? Is there a bus? Could they go with someone else? I never managed to take mine until I got my Motability car and passed my driving test.

millie78

I can ask friends but it would really upset me to have to do that permanently. I'm sorry that u didn't get to. I do drive but cannot park anywhere near school so its no help. The school will only let blue badge holders into their staff far park.

I just had a quick read about osteoporosis and I don't think that's me as I only break my toes and osteoporosis affects the whole body.

stickywicket

Thanks for your concern, Millie. That's very kind of you. It was never going to be on for me to take mine and pick them up so I never missed it.

I do hope your doc can help with the feet thing, though. It's still a real puzzle to me.

kellerman

Hi Milie,
I have oseoporosis. Although I have been told my bones are like lace the only ones I've broken up to now are vertabrae.
Seeing as you haven't even been xrayed I would be inclined to ask for a bone density scan. Your GP can arrange this.
I find it strange that your toes break so easily and it definately wants checking out. As for what else you can do I'm afraid I can't really suggest anything. May

frogmorton

Hi Millie

so sorry I am late on.

I was wondering about some sort of motorised transport like a scooter/electric wheelchair and maybe you could try the babies on your lap - sorry might not be useful, but am trying to think outside the box.

Also would the school let you park in the carpark there? Ours will if you have a badge and I reckon you should put in for one of thhose too.

I KNOW how important it is to take your own kids to and from school. Arthritis takes enough away without that. So if it can be solved it must be

Love

Toni xxx

Ps please do let us know how you get on.

millie78

Hi guys, thanks for the suggestions. My trouble is its only random occasions that I'm in so much pain I can't walk. I don't think I qualify for blue badge, although if this carries on I will certainly try. Yes my school are the same as yours toni, won't let us in car park unless we have a badge.

I think what I'm really wondering is how I can prevent my feet getting to the stage of needing a scooter or badge. But I don't think there is an answer, I'm already seeing podiatrist, wearing special shoes and taking medication. Depressing really!
Yes I will ask for bone density scan at my next rheumy, I was reading about those last night.

kellerman

Hi Again Millie

Bones just don't break...unless they are brittle. You are obviously struggling to walk so why not apply for a BB. You never know until you try. I'm pleased you are going to ask for a bone density scan as this should tell you whats going on. May

lizzieuk1

hI miLLIE,
def make an appt asap with gp or rheum as others have said bones dont just break, not those with ra/oa either, sounds very much like osteoporosis and if that the case you need treating asap, although only your toes have broken thats where the pressure is at the mo, if you were to fall you may break a hip so please get an appt soon don;t wait til the next rheum appt. in meantime i would aproach the school head and explain the predicament i'm sure they will work something out for you.