Marina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,526 
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Post by Marina on Jun 12, 2020 9:05:20 GMT
Regarding your foot pain can it be due to plantar fasciitis? Regarding stiffness I highly recommend doing a few stretches even while in bed before getting up.
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lesley
Drama Llama
My best friend Turriff, desperately missed.
Posts: 7,330
Location: Scotland, Scotland, Scotland
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Post by lesley on Jun 12, 2020 10:30:34 GMT
I was diagnosed with RA when I was 35 and joint pain and stiffness has been a constant in my life since then. The meds I take do make a huge difference but the pain and stiffness is always there. I was really taken aback the last time I was at the rheumatologist when she informed me my aching knees were due to osteoarthritis and not RA, and she (not so) gently told me to lose weight. I was doing great until lockdown.  |
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
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Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 12, 2020 11:08:16 GMT
I'm 54 and my bf is 61 and we both have quite a bit of it. It's especially bad after sitting or sleeping. We're mostly ok once we're up and about.
I especially have it in my Achilles. They hurt pretty badly after a day of activity. Staying off my feet isn't really an option though (on them all day at work and for exercise on my off time).
I have seen a doctor for mine and he recommends stretches and not going barefoot ever. I have spent hundreds of dollars in new shoes (Danskos, Walking Store, New Balance, etc. but find the most comfortable shoe to be my $20 Crocs).
I'll be following this for ideas on how to get us more mobile.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
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Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 12, 2020 11:14:12 GMT
I am incredibly stiff and sore when I get up at night and in morning. I basically hobble around. I thought it was because I am running a lot but maybe I am just getting old?? During the day for the most part I am fine. My achilles issue started when I began training to run a 5K. I even got my gait analyzed for shoes and have spent a ton on shoes for work with little relief other than from my $20 Crocs. |
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
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Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 12, 2020 11:15:16 GMT
Oh, I forgot to mention... My joints feel better when I don’t eat dairy. Sucks. But, the improvement is enough that it’s worth it. I’m not perfect at avoiding it, but always feel better when I do. Oh wow, that is interesting but not sure I could do it. I love milk! I could cut out ice cream before I give up a glass of milk. Damn. |
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
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Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 12, 2020 11:21:19 GMT
I have to exercise daily or I feel terrible. My body is loaded with osteoarthritis, everywhere. At age 42 I had both knees and one hip replaced. Five years later my knees were redone because I'm too active, and I am. I do cardio step, strength training, zumba, etc. every day. If I don't, I'm so much worse. I take Kirkland's joint health and also prescription Voltaren. I was happy to see that Voltaren gel is now available OTC and works great if you have specific nagging areas of pain. I'm almost 52 so I'm guessing I'll be getting my knees redone again soon. They should last 15-20 years, but they also don't like to do them before age 50 and most people don't do the type of classes I do with three replacements. Wow, that's crazy that you had to have them redone so soon and might be having it done again. Good for you being so active though. |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Jun 12, 2020 11:49:05 GMT
Have you tried any type of elimination diet? it's amazing what cutting out inflammation foods do for your physical health.
You are carrying an extra 40 lbs, and exercising frequently it sounds like. That's hard on your joints. Exercise has very little to do with weight loss, 95% of WL is about what you put in your mouth.
What if you did a round of Whole30 to see what an anti-inflammatory diet did for your physical self? I'd be happy to do one with you.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jun 12, 2020 11:58:35 GMT
Gluten.
Try not eating anything containing gluten for a few weeks.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jun 12, 2020 13:20:51 GMT
I was hoping someone would just give me a magical supplement to try. But instead you are telling me to give up all the good food! lol I currently only eat wheat, sugar and dairy a few times a week but I suppose that could be enough to still cause a problem. kibblesandbits I weighed about 105-110 when I was in college but don't think I will ever get there again. At this point I would be thrilled to get to 125, which is the least I have weighed since having kids. I have always been a very slow loser. Last weekend I started tracking my calories and most days I am actually struggling to get to my goal. I looked at my weight tracker from when I was tracking calories years ago and I lost 0-.5 lbs a week. It took about 16 months to lose 20lbs. That is kind of depressing to me, since I would like to see quicker loss than that. But it was also a reminder that if I stick to it, I could still keep losing. It is that thought of "I am not losing anyway so I might as well have pizza with the rest of the family" that keeps me stuck. |
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desertgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,646
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Post by desertgirl on Jun 12, 2020 13:22:56 GMT
And don’t just “suck it up.” There are numerous suggestions on this thread that are more helpful and encouraging than just giving up seeking solutions and living with your pain.
For what it’s worth, swimming for half a century is what helped me. That’s a challenge, I know.
Please keep on the journey to find relief.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,776
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jun 12, 2020 13:25:32 GMT
I hate to say it because I know how hard it is but you could try to eliminate wheat from your diet for a few weeks and see if it helps. This helped me immensely with my joint pain. I hated to do it but hated not feeling good more. |
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Post by librarylady on Jun 12, 2020 13:36:41 GMT
I take turmeric daily because of creaky joints. If you try it--be sure and purchase the turmeric that has black pepper added as the pepper is needed to make it work.
My friend in her 90s has arthritis and had trouble closing her hand until she began taking turmeric.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,524
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Jun 12, 2020 14:10:26 GMT
After I've been sitting for a while, and I get up, I hobble around like a 90 year old woman for about a minute or so. My ankles have been sore getting out of bed for over a decade. They usually work themselves out after walking around for a bit. Getting old ain't for the weak, that's for sure.
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Post by idahomom on Jun 12, 2020 14:16:13 GMT
If you have cartilage left (which you likely do) I would definitely start with a joint supplement containing Glucosamine Chondroitin like Osteo Bi-Flex, Move Free, Kirkland Joint Health, etc. They make a big difference. The Voltaren gel works great if you have one or two areas bothering you regularly. When it nags you enough and you go to a doctor there are lots of non-surical treatments. Some joint injections can give you 6-12 months of pain relief. And definitely keep moving. I don't usually do a work-out on the weekends and by Monday my body needs it so bad. When I walk into the gym I'm achy and painful, but by the time I leave I feel great. Even though I have fake joints they still ache as well as the rest of my body.
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Post by Merge on Jun 12, 2020 14:20:22 GMT
Yoga has helped me so much. I don’t mean like super strenuous hot yoga - I do some videos that are more strenuous like a workout, but what has helped with my joint pain has been the mindful stretching/breathing kind. I’ve come to believe that all of our body is interconnected - it’s amazing to me how stretches for my back and hips help with neck pain and foot pain.
I really like Yoga with Adriene on YouTube and her “find what feels good” philosophy. I’ve learned to tune in to my body and work in a way that makes me feel better all over. She has several short practices on her channel for specific things - back pain, etc. I can’t recommend her enough. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy clothes. Get an inexpensive mat and go for it.
And I also agree that cutting out processed food and animal products make a big difference, as does getting out for a daily walk.
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Jun 12, 2020 14:41:55 GMT
kibblesandbits I weighed about 105-110 when I was in college but don't think I will ever get there again. At this point I would be thrilled to get to 125, which is the least I have weighed since having kids. I have always been a very slow loser. Last weekend I started tracking my calories and most days I am actually struggling to get to my goal. I looked at my weight tracker from when I was tracking calories years ago and I lost 0-.5 lbs a week. It took about 16 months to lose 20lbs. That is kind of depressing to me, since I would like to see quicker loss than that. But it was also a reminder that if I stick to it, I could still keep losing. It is that thought of "I am not losing anyway so I might as well have pizza with the rest of the family" that keeps me stuck. Honey, I know the song you're singing  I'm not much taller than you, and believe me, it's freaking WORK to get weight off. If I'm trying to lose, I have to stay below 1,000 calories a day. Take a couple of weeks and cut all dairy, gluten, and sugar from your diet. See what happens. It's only 2 weeks - what's the harm? Then, take stock. Also, a doctor visit may not hurt. You may be predisposed to joint pain. Best get it under control now. Joint pain certainly don't improve with age, lol |
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Post by mayceesgranny on Jun 12, 2020 14:55:49 GMT
Do you take any meds? I ask because I was age 40 and diagnosed with RA about 6 months after starting a certain antidepressant. Turns out the antidepressant was contributing to my joint pain. Switching meds eliminated 90% of the pain.
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Post by farmgirl on Jun 12, 2020 15:34:30 GMT
One of my main complains in a myriad of them 2 years ago was stiff, 'hot', hurting joints, especially my elbows. Cutting out gluten and dairy pretty much solved it.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jun 12, 2020 15:41:04 GMT
Sucking it up really sucks. Today every joint hurts. I don’t recommend this as a path to good health.
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,610
Location: In the leaves and rain.
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Post by stittsygirl on Jun 12, 2020 16:04:08 GMT
I cut out all dairy about two months ago to address some GI issues I was having (Worked! But I miss cheese  ). I’m a low-carber so bread and pasta are not a regular part of my diet either, and I eat very little red meat. I still hurt, badly some days. It gets worse if I eat any refined carbs though. For the plantar fasciitis someone here, a few years ago, recommended wearing Vionic flip-flops around the house, particularly if you have hard floors. I swear that recommendation saved my feet. I always have a pair of Vionics for the house, the treadmill, and for work. They don’t work for everyone but they made my plantar fasciitis pretty much disappear. |
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Post by scrapmaven on Jun 12, 2020 20:14:20 GMT
I would see your doctor and ask about seeing a good rheumatologist or physiatrist. A good physical medicine doctor will help diagnose you and prescribe physical therapy that is helpful for you. I use a hot therapy pool and it is a great way to exercise while taking the pressure off of your joints. In my 40's I was achey and stiff and in my late 50's I am a mess. I so wish I'd taken it more seriously back then. Acupuncture also helps the blood and oxygen flow to the right parts of your body and relieves joint paint. I would start w/your GP and go from there. My physiatrist helped far more than my rheumatologist, but that was after they ruled out RA.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jun 12, 2020 20:19:34 GMT
Crocs were the worst—my doctor told me that plantar fasciitis increased because of crocs!!!
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jun 12, 2020 20:30:17 GMT
I was hoping someone would just give me a magical supplement to try. But instead you are telling me to give up all the good food! lol I currently only eat wheat, sugar and dairy a few times a week but I suppose that could be enough to still cause a problem. kibblesandbits I weighed about 105-110 when I was in college but don't think I will ever get there again. At this point I would be thrilled to get to 125, which is the least I have weighed since having kids. I have always been a very slow loser. Last weekend I started tracking my calories and most days I am actually struggling to get to my goal. I looked at my weight tracker from when I was tracking calories years ago and I lost 0-.5 lbs a week. It took about 16 months to lose 20lbs. That is kind of depressing to me, since I would like to see quicker loss than that. But it was also a reminder that if I stick to it, I could still keep losing. It is that thought of "I am not losing anyway so I might as well have pizza with the rest of the family" that keeps me stuck. That is absolutely correct—just one meal of eating anything, even a very small amount of gluten/wheat can drastically flare up my RA. When I was being tested for intolerances, I gave up 14 different foods for 6 weeks, then slowly reintroduced them one at a time. Gluten/wheat almost killed me! Within an hour of eating literally a cup of pasta with olive oil, my throat and tongue swelled up, within an hour I had a killer headache, 8 hrs later the next morning I could not move my neck, 12 hours after eating it I still had a killer headache and my neck and shoulders hurt like I got hit by a truck, and when I was finally able to get up, about 18 hrs after eating, my fingers felt like they were swollen and all broken, my knees were swollen and I could barely walk, my right foot hurt like it was broken, and finally when I had my first bowel movement it felt as though my intestines were being routed out by ROTO ROOTER! I tried wheat a few more times in tiny doses and had similar affects. I had eaten 2 Oz of steak that had been marinated and after eating my tongue swelled up—the marinade had soy made with wheat! So yes, absolutely yes, even small amounts can trigger your body. I have little to no RA pain since giving up wheat/gluten. I’ve since been tested by an allergist, and I’m actually allergic to wheat too. When the family wants pizza, I get it too—but a gluten free one! They are getting better with making them too! |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jun 12, 2020 20:36:44 GMT
I should also add that I FEEL AMAZING !!!!
I’ve had RA since I was 18.
I used to take an Rx for it 2x a day. I have not had any for 4 months.
I’ve lost 35 lbs in those 4 months too.
On many days I used to walk slowly and stiffly. I now walk with confidence, almost dance like, with more of a spring in my step, I feel stronger, and I have not had to have a daily nap, lol!!!
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Post by anniefb on Jun 12, 2020 21:09:43 GMT
When I was having bad pain in my lower back and foot, I had X-rays taken and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both places with narrowing of the joint space. The cartilage was nearly gone in my toe due to bone spurs that ripped it up. Had surgery on it twice and it’s better now that it’s fused but I still have some pain when the weather is changing probably due to the hardware that’s in there now. As for my back pain, I told my chiro about my diagnosis and he changed how he was adjusting my lower back and hips and it helped a lot. I haven’t gone since everything shut down and I can really feel it. More recently I’ve been having stiffness and swelling in my hands in the morning. Some of that I’m attributing to there being something tweaked in my shoulder because the right one is way worse than the left one, to the point that I can’t even sleep on my right side at all anymore without almost pain in my hand within minutes. My mom had RA pretty bad, and I want to say it was diagnosed sometime in her 50’s. Now I’m starting to have pain in my left foot too, and the toe clicks which is a telltale sign for me that there are probably bone spurs starting in that joint too. Yay me. My previous podiatrist said I probably had about a 40% chance of eventually needing surgery on my other foot too. I’m due for a checkup anyway but have put it off due to Covid. I hate that I can’t just have all of my issues addressed at once but that they want me to go in a bunch of times for every little thing separately so they can charge the insurance a bunch of times for each 20 minute office visit. Except we have a high deductible plan, which means that I actually end up paying for all that out of pocket.  Morning stiffness and pain in my hands and feet is what finally sent me to the doctor and I was diagnosed with RA just before Christmas. I'd definitely get it checked out because if it is RA, the sooner you get on meds, the less chance there is of joint damage. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jun 12, 2020 22:30:34 GMT
I don't think the pain in my foot is Plantar Fascitis (probably spelled wrong). It is in the ball of my foot and then when I stretch my foot out.
I used to have pain in my hands, especially in the morning, a few years ago. But that hasn't been an issue for quite awhile.
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). I’m a low-carber so bread and pasta are not a regular part of my diet either, and I eat very little red meat. I still hurt, badly some days. It gets worse if I eat any refined carbs though.
