Saturday, January 12, 2013

Saturday, September 08, 2012 Becky H asks

Q: Rheumatoid Arthritis and walking

I try to walk every day but my feet hurt a lot. I bought a really good pair ofshoes it helped some but not always. I feel better when I walk but my feet just make it really hard! What can I do to help that!

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Answers (5)
V, Health Guide
9/ 9/12 8:45am

Hello, Becky,

 

I am in the same predicament.  I need to walk for exercise and ot stretch my muscles, but every time I do, my ankles, knees and feet swell.  I am not a doctor, but I will share what my doctor told me.  When joints are painful and inflammed, do not exercise them.  She said that if I do push thru the pain, I will do more joint damage.  So, here I sit on the sidelines, waiting for my Orencia to kick in so that one day I may be able to walk again for exercise.  Truthfully, I have to use the motorized carts at the grocery store, and I have a scooter for any outings I may be attending.

 

Have you talked to your RD about this symptom?  She/he may want to adjust your medication.   

 

Hang in there and let us know how it goes.

 

Peace,

V

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V, Health Guide
9/ 9/12 9:51am

Hi, again, Becky!

 

Forgot to say that you might try bicycling or swimming for exercise.  That would take the pressure off of your feet.  

 

Best Wishes,

V

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9/10/12 3:43pm

Another possibility that has helped me is to go to a podiatrist.  I had custom orthotics made that have cut outs for where the enlarged joints are to off load pressure.  It depends on where the feet hurt.

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Lene Andersen, Health Guide
9/13/12 11:48am

ask your doctor for referral to a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics might help. As well, I'd recommend that you get a referral to a physical therapist to get help with finding exercises that can keep you strong and mobile while protecting your joints. You may also want to try walking in water - the buoyancy of the water puts less stress on your joints and the recesses of the water help you exercise.

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9/15/12 4:09pm

Thank you, I do walk in water it feels good I usually don't have any pain in my feet when I do that. I live in Michigan so walking in the water isn't always available to me. I will  get an  appointment to see podiatrist.

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Lene Andersen, Health Guide
9/17/12 10:38am

is there a Jim or community center near you that has a pool ? If you got a referral to physical therapist, they may know of therapeutic pools in the area where the water is warmer - that can sometimes make it easier.

 

Good luck with the podiatrist. Please keep us posted on how things go.

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Lisa Emrich, Health Guide
9/22/12 11:02pm

Hi Becky,

 

I just wanted to give another voice of support for seeing a podiatrist.  My custom shoe inserts are very helpful.  Exercising in the water is also excellent if you have time and access.  I hope that you are able to find some relief and be able to stay active.

 

Lisa

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By Becky H— Last Modified: 09/22/12, First Published: 09/08/12