Swollen feet and wearing shoes

Starburst

I'm very flarey at the moment. My toes and feet are extremely swollen which I think is partly due to the heat. I wear proper shoes, was properly measured as well as getting the stamp of approval from the podiatrist. The shoes account for the fact that my feet will swell somewhat due to RA but sadly, not this much. They have left me with blisters and I'm furious with myself for not realising sooner. I do wear trainers which are more stretchy but they're really not professional enough for work. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you deal with it? Any tips would be gratefully received. x

chookgate

Maybe not as much swelling as you seem to be experiencing, but I wear for work lace up shoes that I wear with socks (and trousers). I have socks of varying thickness, so usually I wear normal socks, sometimes thinner ones so my feet have more room, and sometimes I resort to pop socks!

Boomer13

I wear crocs, they are the only shoe comfortable when my feet flare with PsA. I know they are not professional enough for your job. Professionalism left me long ago.....I also buy really good hiker's socks. Surprisingly, the quality socks really help. Maybe less chafing or more cushion, I don't know.

A good friend with RA-damaged feet takes three pairs of shoes to work and changes to a different pair every few hours. It shift the pressure points, but she's still painful. She has a terrible time with her feet.

Any way you can take breaks and put your feet up? Or, maybe apply cold packs for short periods throughout the day, if you can tolerate cold. I know someone whose hard-drive at work (desk job) is strategically placed so she can alternate putting her feet up on it under the desk so none one really sees.

Sorry I don't have any better suggestions than that.

Take care,
Anna

dreamdaisy

Oh Starburst, what a bummer. I hope things begin to ease soon, this heat has been affecting so many of us. It may be worth soaking your feet in cool water, adding some Epsom salts too; they are an old remedy but they can help to ease swelling. I guess you are spending much time on your tooties, yes? Are there any chances for you to sit down with your feet up, even for just five minutes? DD

barbara12

Hello Starburst
I do feel for you you even before Arthritis my feet would blister at the sliest rubbing....like DD Epson salts is very soothing...and I cant live without my Velcro shoes...ie Pave** and there are a couple of other makes out there...I do hope you find some that are comfy for you, good luck..x

PollySid

My feet, toes and ankles swell too and I swear by shoes and sandals with Velcro fastenings. They can be loosened or tightened as your feet swell or go down.
I can't usually walk that far, so blisters are not a big problem luckily, but I always have plasters in my bag just in case.
Really soft leather is quite good too as it gives more.
I tend to have one pair of shoes that is really comfortable and wear them to death.

Starburst

Thank you for the helpful tips. I knew I could rely on you lot!

The shoes do have Velcro straps and are a good soft quality leather and to be honest, I don't (can't) walk or stand for very long, so I have no idea how they rubbed me so badly.

Funnily enough having been told by an orthotist that crocs are ideal to wear around the house as slippers, I saw a different orthotics man who said no no no to crocs!

I think a foot rest at work is a good idea and I do need to make sure I rest them properly when I get home.

When it's warm, I fancy wearing more summery shoes so I don't need socks but I don't think I can wear these sorts of shoes right now. I probably could just about get away with trainers - everyone knows my RA is bad because I use crutches - and I think they're the only shoes I can wear right now.

Oh RA, you do cause some problems!

Boomer13

Hi Starburst;

It sounds like you have plenty reason to just wear your trainers and sacrifice professionalism for a bit. I'm sure your workplace will be understanding.

Take care,
Anna

PollySid

Can you find any slippers that look like shoes? They should be soft and comfortable and, as you do not be on your feet for long, it would not matter that they do not have as much support.
There are hundreds of slipper designs out there and some are very nearly shoes, I have been tempted at times.
I can't wear Crocs. My daughters swear by them and bought me a pair. They hurt the tops of my toes. I can't bear for anything to be hard on the top of my toes. I have to have seamless socks as even the small toe seam is uncomfortable.
Pauline

bubbadog

Starburst, I know what your dealing with! My feet are forever swelling, if I spend more then 1/2hr on my feet they seem to start swelling!! I find rocket dogs & sketchers are the best. They feel like your wearing slippers and are soft and stretch. They also have trendy styles and I always go for outrageous styles like gold and bright colours. Hope you find some footwear that works with your feet as I know how hard it is! My OH keeps calling me Emelder Marcos as I have shoes everywhere I hate to think how many pairs I have that I can't wear!!

mike26

hi starburst
the only tip i can give you is whats worked for me
hope it helps you and any others.
I cant wear shoes any more (well not with swollen feet & ancles)
but i can wear crocs 1 size bigger than my feet, and thay are comfatable
for me ,mine got holes in to let feet breath.
dont wear them all the time just when neded.
dont no what ide do without them now, cant worry bout stile just whats best and most comfey.
mike26