Have you ever wondered why rheumatoid arthritis makes your feet hurt so badly, especially when wearing shoes?
I’ve seen many people struggling with painful feet due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you’re experiencing this, believe me, you’re not alone. The discomfort, particularly when trying to wear your favourite shoes, can be incredibly frustrating. So let’s talk openly about what’s happening with your feet and what can help.
Why Does RA Hurt My Feet?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which basically means your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints. Your feet are full of tiny joints, making them vulnerable to inflammation. This inflammation causes swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, it can even change the shape of your feet, making everyday tasks a challenge.
Many people I speak to feel pain around the ball of their foot, across their arch, and even on top just below the toes. Sound familiar? It’s because inflammation can weaken your arch, leading it to flatten and shift pressure around your foot. According to this detailed article, RA often leads to foot deformities if left untreated, making early care essential.
What Shoes Are Best for RA Foot Pain?
Finding shoes that don’t hurt can feel impossible. I completely understand that frustration. Sometimes, regular shoes make things worse because they squeeze or put pressure exactly where your feet hurt most. On top of this, inflammation might make your feet swell during the day, turning your favourite pair of shoes into torture devices by the afternoon.
From personal experience and discussions with my clients, shoes with a wide, roomy toe-box and supportive cushioning make a huge difference. If shoes continue to be a problem, it might help to consider custom orthotics. Orthotics can provide tailored support, easing pressure exactly where you need it most.
Why Isn’t Foot Pain Going Away With Orthotics?
If you’ve tried orthotics without much relief, there might be something else happening. Sometimes orthotics aren’t enough on their own, especially if the foot structure has changed significantly. One issue I frequently encounter at my practice is RA-related arch collapse. This happens because inflamed joints weaken, causing your foot’s arch to flatten or deform.
If this sounds familiar, treatments like foot mobilisation and manipulation treatments can offer relief. I always recommend combining these with supportive footwear or orthotics for maximum comfort.
Could My Gait Be Making Things Worse?
Absolutely. RA can affect how you walk, which then puts extra strain on other areas of your feet or ankles. A professional gait analysis service can help pinpoint exactly what’s going wrong when you’re walking. By understanding these mechanics, targeted solutions become clearer. Adjusting how you walk can drastically reduce foot pain.
Secondary Issues Caused by RA Foot Pain
RA doesn’t just cause immediate pain—it can lead to secondary problems too. I often see clients dealing with corns and callouses due to altered walking patterns or footwear rubbing against inflamed areas. Conditions like Morton’s neuroma or even stress fractures can also appear, triggered by weakened joints and abnormal pressure.
What Else Can You Do?
Managing RA-related foot pain isn’t just about shoes and orthotics. It’s a combination of strategies tailored specifically for you. Regular exercises and stretches are beneficial—I often share these during our functional testing sessions. Gentle movement helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
And remember, you’re not stuck dealing with this alone. Regular check-ups with professionals who understand RA make all the difference. Our functional foot assessments can identify small issues before they become bigger, more painful ones.
When Should You Seek Help?
If your feet hurt every day, or if pain is affecting your daily activities, please don’t ignore it. Foot deformities or severe discomfort don’t have to be your normal. It’s always best to get ahead of these issues. I regularly see people who’ve waited too long, believing nothing could help.
Seeking early professional advice can make a massive difference in your quality of life. Whether you’re in Port Melbourne, Elsternwick, or Williamstown, our team is ready to help you manage RA foot pain effectively. You can easily book a consultation with us here.
A Final Word From Me
I’ve seen countless people find relief and regain comfort through targeted podiatry care. Rheumatoid arthritis might complicate things, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. Let’s tackle your foot pain together and get you moving comfortably again.
Always remember, the sooner you get support, the better your feet will feel.