After my first bout with, and diagnosis of RA 3 yrs. ago, the effects of the disease left me with severe hammer toes on the 2 toes following the big toe on my right foot. Although my RA seems to be in remission for the most part, (I stopped taking all my medications over a year ago with no obvious difference in symptoms)one of the symptoms that I've been unable to get relief from, even while taking my meds, is constant pain in the ball of my right foot. When feeling the area with my fingers it feels as if a bone is trying to push through the ball of my foot. Even the skin over the area is thickly calloused. My rheumatologist sent me to a podiatrist, who said I have flat feet (no arches) and instructed me to buy orthotic inserts for my shoes.That relieved some of the pain and pressure for about a week. Any suggestions? (I'm constantly limping and am afraid the shifting of weight is going to cause problems elsewhere.)