Are you taking NSAIDs on a regular bases? I find when my medication is taken on time, and I don't let the pain and inflamation get a jump on me, I do so much better. I do a little walking and I rest as much as I can. Then I wait for my other meds to do a job on my disease. I just waiting for the right cocktail that will work for me.

Hello Chrystal, I have similar troubles with my feet and ankles (luckily, not knees). Some days are better than others for walking. I find that by massaging my feet and ankles and applying cold packs when swollen this helps. I also find that by just walking (especially when stiff and sore in the mornings) helps, and eventually reduces the stiffness/soreness for me.

I would definitly speak with your RA doctor about this issue and possibly modify your current medications. You may also want to talk to an orthopedist about your knees and feet for some type of orthotic support. Here's a good article that I found on this topic:

"Lower extremity orthoses"

"Podiatric orthotic management of the arthritic foot can offer a conservative approach to reducing pain associated with walking and weight-bearing. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods from correct sizing and fit of shoes to the incorporation of different materials in construction of the shoe. In addition to shoe modifications, customized orthotic devices can be employed in the treatment of the arthritic foot and ankle. Here too, the materials used can make a difference in the degree of comfort for the patient. Less rigid materials tend to provide less biomechanical control of subluxing joints, but are often more comfortable. Ankle foot orthoses can also be employed to lessen joint contractures or assist any weakened muscles around the ankle."-

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/ra_rehab.html

I hope that helps.

Take care,

Bret

I had my knees replaced and they are wonderful. They remodeled my feet and straighten my toes and I started walking straighter because I was in alignment , so my hips don't hurt anymore. If your knees are bone on bone nothing will help but surgery. Surgery is not as scarey as they say. I have had R/A for 26 years. New Knees for 9 years. They have not hurt since I walked out of the hospital. Don't let them tell you you are too young. I was 45 when I had my knees and feet done. My feet feel so good I can buy better shoes.

debi

Hi Crystal,

I have had RA for 30 years, I have had joint replacements in my hands and feet in 1988.  This helped me immensly.  I have orthotics in my shoes and I buy shoes from my foot dr.  You need a wide toe box so as not to cramp the toes.  I also have found that if I take short shopping trips and come back home and put my feet up it helps.  I also take Enbrel and this has helped with the pain I have everywhere.  I have RA in all my joints except on side of my hip and one side of my jaw.  I also agree with the person that wrote about water therapy. I take a fibromyalga water therapy class through my local park district.  This is the best thing I have ever done it helps build stimina and there is no resistance since your in a therapy pool and it helps your entire body, not just certain parts.  I had a knee replacement on my left leg, a partial elbow replacement on my left arm due to a fall.  I have also had a broken right tibia on my right leg and just this summer I fell and broke my right arm just above my elbow.

You need to keep as active as you possible can but not to the point of pain.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.