Arthritis help

earlnabby

I have been doing more walking and my right foot started hurting. I suspected extensor tendonitis and rested it. I started walking again and it hurt just as bad so I went to an ortho who is also a sports medicine specialist. After x-rays and an MRI I was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis in the foot. His suggestions are to do minimal impact exercise, always wear good fitting cushioned shoes, and keep losing weight. I can change my main cardio from walking to working out on a recumbant crosstrainer and eventually I want to get into lap swimming. I also do a water aerobics 3 X a week.

My question is this: has anyone had experience with arthritis in the foot? Did you do anything that helped it? Any particular footwear that helped? I really want to get back to hiking but I also know that I can't build up to hiking distances by daily walking, I have to improve my leg strength and cardio fitness other ways. I also hope there is something I can do to prevent two days of pain after I do go on a hike. I have a fairly high pain threshold and am resigned to living with my aches and pains (I also have arthritis in the left knee) so I will do the things I want, even if it hurts. I just want to lessen it as much as possible.

BTW: my PCP has told me I cannot take NSAIDs so that class of anti inflammatories are out. I am going to revisit that with her next time I go.

anglyn1

Have you tried a zero drop shoe like Altra? They have cushioning unlike a lot of "minimal" shoes but still help you walk more closely to barefoot. Some people find this helps with various types of foot pain!

yspen42

Not in my foot but I have it in my toe which is painful. I was told cucumbers are good for inflammation..I put them in my water along with lemon and drink all day. My pain comes and goes. i hope you get to feeling better

LoneWolfRunner

anglyn1 wrote: »

Have you tried a zero drop shoe like Altra? They have cushioning unlike a lot of "minimal" shoes but still help you walk more closely to barefoot. Some people find this helps with various types of foot pain!

^^^ I concur with this.... and Merrell makes some great zero drop hiking shoes/boots
I had arthritis in my hips... but I got both of them replaced... so the only painful arthritis is in my thumbs... but like you, I learn how to deal with the pain to do the things I want to do.

imaginaryplaces

I have several issues with my feet, including arthritis. Things that have helped me and may or may not work for you -

Cardio - Have you tried upright ellipticals and/or something like the Precor AMT? I've found that, while treadmills cause me foot pain, these do not. And I find it easier to get a real workout on them.

Strength training - can you use resistance equipment like leg press, leg extensions and curls?

Shoes: For me, I do best in shoes with lots of support. For cardio and general walking, I like Brooks Addiction shoes.

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I hike a lot, and, while the above have definitely helped, it does take me several days to recover from a long hike.

And congratulations on your weight loss!

earlnabby

anglyn1 wrote: »

Have you tried a zero drop shoe like Altra? They have cushioning unlike a lot of "minimal" shoes but still help you walk more closely to barefoot. Some people find this helps with various types of foot pain!

LoneWolfRunner wrote: »

^^^ I concur with this.... and Merrell makes some great zero drop hiking shoes/boots
I had arthritis in my hips... but I got both of them replaced... so the only painful arthritis is in my thumbs... but like you, I learn how to deal with the pain to do the things I want to do.

I will definitely look into these.

earlnabby

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

I have several issues with my feet, including arthritis. Things that have helped me and may or may not work for you -

Cardio - Have you tried upright ellipticals and/or something like the Precor AMT? I've found that, while treadmills cause me foot pain, these do not. And I find it easier to get a real workout on them.

Strength training - can you use resistance equipment like leg press, leg extensions and curls?

Shoes: For me, I do best in shoes with lots of support. For cardio and general walking, I like Brooks Addiction shoes.

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I hike a lot, and, while the above have definitely helped, it does take me several days to recover from a long hike.

And congratulations on your weight loss!

I have used a recumbent elliptical crosstrainer which worked out well and I will probably go that direction or lap swimming for my cardio.

The resistance machines are no problem.

I'll look into those shoes too

I'll ask my doctor about the gel. I can't take NSAIDs due to potential kidney issues

ALH1981

I dont haev athritis,but have had a broken hip which resulted in joint problems so i understand the pain… i have been taking the following homeopathic medicine which i think is helping…. also seeing a chiro! amazing

http://www.vitaminlife.com/product-exec/PNAME/Arnica-Montana-30C/product_id/32845?gclid=CP3wx7rR1cECFSgV7AoduC0AfQ

Jelaan

I have been reading this forum with interest. I have arthritis in my feet, hands, one hip and shoulder. I am also very stubborn and like to run and have found that the Vibram Five Fingers shoes work for me. I like running barefoot as it does not cause pain and this is the closest I can get, plus they align my toe joints which help prevent pain. I now need a joint fusion in both big toes as i have no cartilage left, but unfortunately there are only 2 doctors (maybe only 1 now) in Ontario who do it, so the wait time for a first appointment is about 2 years and I will have to travel to another town. I find arthritis formula Tylenol helps - are you able to take that? Voltarin did not work for me, but my mother finds it helps her enormously. Good luck and keep moving and doing something you enjoy. We all know that exercise helps so much. Seeing what the above posters have accomplished with arthritis and after joint replacements is very encouraging.

Jelaan

Just wanted to add that I have found lifting to be helpful as strengthening my muscles especially around my legs, hips and back, and keeping my weights under control has reduced the pain a lot. Having a high pain threshold helps too.

gtmclarty

This past week I was told I have osteoarthritis in my foot - I also thought it was tendonitis. I wanted to thank you guys for the suggestions because they will also help me as I figure out how to move forward.

mitchiejo

I have rheumatoid arthritis. The best thing for me is the AMT. I like the stairmaster too but sometimes my knees hurt too bad. I can do an elliptical if the stride isn't too long. If I walk really slow with no incline I can do the treadmill - sort of defeats the purpose though going that slow so I only do it once in a while as a cool down. The bike is a great no impact cardio but I despise it. It's great that you have access to a pool.

Have you done any strength training? I started with dumbbells about a year ago and really enjoy it. I'm not a hardcore heavy lifter but I like the results I've gotten.

GaleHawkins

I started off by trying coconut oil by mouth then cut the carbs and all added sugar that I know about. With the lower pain levels I now can walk and build muscle as the fat decreases. With arthritis managing weight can be many times harder but for me managing the pain (reason for the coconut oil) is key to long term weight loss. People that do not have to deal with arthritis really have a struggle understanding what we are up against it seems.

ka97

I don't have any good answers for you, but I'm interested in hearing what others have to say as well. I had ankle surgery last year and was subsequently diagnosed with ankle arthritis. Returning to running was slow and painful. I have less pain now than I did a year ago, but I do still have pain and swelling after a long run, or if I run after wearing flats (not sneakers) to work. For years I had always worn saucony, but recently I'm finding that I feel better when I run in my brooks. I've been to PT, and they've recommended a whole lot of strengthening and stretching exercises. Other than that, I'm still trying to learn all I can, and trying to figure out what I can do to make the most of my runs.

GaleHawkins

ka97 since you still have pain and swelling after a long run you may want to ask your doctor about it. I have learned insulting my arthritic joints over time was not the best for my long term usage of the joints. Arthritis is not really something you want to fight with because the long term damage can get much worse over time but every case can be different.

If you walk a mile do you have pain and swelling afterwards?

earlnabby

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I am bumping this thread because my doctor prescribed Voltaren for me. She said it doesn't go through the stomach (the reason I can't take NSAIDs) and my pain is localized so it is OK. I picked some up the other day and needed to try it yesterday. It really helped!

GaleHawkins

Voltaren sounds like it is helpful in your case. My problem I took them for 30+ years and messed up by stomach from ulcers. The stomach/intestional bleeding risk of Voltaren and other NSAIDS is one reason I looked for a diet solution after Enbrel was what the doctor wanted to try next.

There are not risk free meds for arthritis that I have found over the last 40 years. Fish oil has been helpful for the last 18 years in my case but getting off of carbs like sugar and grains have helped the most.

Flowerbaby2

I have bone on bone arthritis in my knee and on cold stormy days like today it kills me.I also work full time as a nurse and it's hard physically to do itI have never heard of this voltarin,what is it and is it over the counter.I use Salinpas Capsiacin patches on my knee on work days.It confuses the nerve endings so the pain does not register near as strongly.It is hard working outI am mostly limited to stretching right now .Any suggestions for knee pain

imaginaryplaces

earlnabby wrote: »

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I am bumping this thread because my doctor prescribed Voltaren for me. She said it doesn't go through the stomach (the reason I can't take NSAIDs) and my pain is localized so it is OK. I picked some up the other day and needed to try it yesterday. It really helped!

@Earlnabby - I'm so happy it's helping you!

@GaleHawkings - we are talking about Voltaren as a topical gel, not taken orally, and thus with fewer potential side effects.

@ Flowerbaby2: It is prescription only (in the US anyway - don't know about elsewhere).

tomatoey

I chew on NSAIDs like candy for all kinds of pain, including OA (toes, knees, hips), but I'm trying to cut back. There's some suggestion certain supplements can help, so I'm giving it a shot. Bromelain may work as well as diclofenac for pain from knee OA in some people (no idea about foot stuff, but eh, why not try). I take it in a formulation with curcumin (which also may help with pain and inflammation). (I'm also trying out glucosamine sulphate with MSM - I know studies have been equivocal but why not give it a chance. And am hoping fish oil might do a bit too. And, Vitamin D, which is really important for bone/connective tissue health. I recently discovered I was severely deficient, who knows for how long.

Custom orthotics made a huge difference for me (for the toes and also chronic peroneal tendonitis, and heel spurs). I resisted the idea for a long time, but I'm pretty sure they're what allow me to walk, because I feel it when I try to go without them. Within a week, I went from not being able to walk for more than 15-20 minutes to being able to tolerate 60 (going slow). Now I can walk for hours. Because my toes were involved, my podiatrist suggested shoes with more rigid soles. All my shoes are ugly, but whatever.

GaleHawkins

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

earlnabby wrote: »

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I am bumping this thread because my doctor prescribed Voltaren for me. She said it doesn't go through the stomach (the reason I can't take NSAIDs) and my pain is localized so it is OK. I picked some up the other day and needed to try it yesterday. It really helped!

@Earlnabby - I'm so happy it's helping you!

@GaleHawkings - we are talking about Voltaren as a topical gel, not taken orally, and thus with fewer potential side effects.

@ Flowerbaby2: It is prescription only (in the US anyway - don't know about elsewhere).

It it the stomach/intestinal bleeding risks that would rule out Voltaren in my case.

earlnabby

GaleHawkins wrote: »

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

earlnabby wrote: »

imaginaryplaces wrote: »

I know you said you can't take NSAIDs, but could you use a topical one? I also have arthritis in my thumbs - my doctor prescribed Voltaren Gel - it doesn't work for everyone - it works best on joints where there is not a lot of muscle and or fat between the skin and the joint. I've found that it usually takes the edge off of the pain.

I am bumping this thread because my doctor prescribed Voltaren for me. She said it doesn't go through the stomach (the reason I can't take NSAIDs) and my pain is localized so it is OK. I picked some up the other day and needed to try it yesterday. It really helped!

@Earlnabby - I'm so happy it's helping you!

@GaleHawkings - we are talking about Voltaren as a topical gel, not taken orally, and thus with fewer potential side effects.

@ Flowerbaby2: It is prescription only (in the US anyway - don't know about elsewhere).

It it the stomach/intestinal bleeding risks that would rule out Voltaren in my case.

Yes, that is a potential side effect. I was diagnosed with gastritis and stomach bleeding, which caused my severe anemia a year ago. The doctor said that after a year of healing my risk is low enough for the Voltaren, but I should still avoid oral NSAIDS just in case. My kidney function is good now but they really did not like the metformin she originally prescribed back in January so we switched to glipizide (and now I am off all diabetes meds). Potential kidney issues are the other reason why I shouldn't take NSAIDs but there is minimal risk with the Voltaren. This is also something I would use occasionally if my foot flares up, not as a long term solution which would make a difference too.

Jelaan

Flowerbaby2 wrote: »

I have bone on bone arthritis in my knee and on cold stormy days like today it kills me.I also work full time as a nurse and it's hard physically to do itI have never heard of this voltarin,what is it and is it over the counter.I use Salinpas Capsiacin patches on my knee on work days.It confuses the nerve endings so the pain does not register near as strongly.It is hard working outI am mostly limited to stretching right now .Any suggestions for knee pain

not sure where you are, but here in Canada you can buy it off the shelf in places like Walmart and the Superstore.

earlnabby

tomatoey wrote: »

I chew on NSAIDs like candy for all kinds of pain, including OA (toes, knees, hips), but I'm trying to cut back. There's some suggestion certain supplements can help, so I'm giving it a shot. Bromelain may work as well as diclofenac for pain from knee OA in some people (no idea about foot stuff, but eh, why not try). I take it in a formulation with curcumin (which also may help with pain and inflammation). (I'm also trying out glucosamine sulphate with MSM - I know studies have been equivocal but why not give it a chance. And am hoping fish oil might do a bit too. And, Vitamin D, which is really important for bone/connective tissue health. I recently discovered I was severely deficient, who knows for how long.

Custom orthotics made a huge difference for me (for the toes and also chronic peroneal tendonitis, and heel spurs). I resisted the idea for a long time, but I'm pretty sure they're what allow me to walk, because I feel it when I try to go without them. Within a week, I went from not being able to walk for more than 15-20 minutes to being able to tolerate 60 (going slow). Now I can walk for hours. Because my toes were involved, my podiatrist suggested shoes with more rigid soles. All my shoes are ugly, but whatever.

I take MSM (but not the glucosamine/chondroitin) and vitamin D. My ortho said that orthotics won't help my foot, although arch supports might make me a little more comfortable in general). I just have to make sure I get supportive, well fitting athletic shoes and avoid high impact exercises. I get aches regularly but live with them. The only times I have had bad flare ups has been when I was standing for a long period of time.

Flowerbaby2

I do take krill oil,vit d ,gelatin capsules,and Bio-Flex and L-arginine which is a natural anti-infalamatory.I also use Capsiacin patch on my knee on my work days.I am trying different things to see what works best

AglaeaC

How about swimming, would that work for you? It is supposed to be gentler on the joints. You could try a running belt for pool running if you don't enjoy swimming.

GaleHawkins

Fish oil and coconut oil both take a bite out of the pain. Cutting the carbs (<50 gram daily) helps the most but I can tell the pain goes up some without both oils.

Vitamin D3 I am learning low in most people. Having it in the norm range (45??) seems to encourage more weight loss and cut risk of cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Flowerbaby2

Why do you use Coconut oil?Its amazing how different the meds are in the US vs Canada.I tried Naprocin and Mobic and niether worked at all.Inuprofin help,it does not take it away but it makes it about 50% better so I can work.Thats why I'm open to suggestions

earlnabby

AglaeaC wrote: »

How about swimming, would that work for you? It is supposed to be gentler on the joints. You could try a running belt for pool running if you don't enjoy swimming.

Since I started this thread, I have started swimming laps. I do an hour of laps, then go to the warm pool for an hour of water aerobics (which I had been doing long before the foot problem). I do this 3 x a week and really love it. My weight loss has actually increased since I started swimming instead of walking I still walk, but not as far as I used to.

AglaeaC

earlnabby wrote: »

AglaeaC wrote: »

How about swimming, would that work for you? It is supposed to be gentler on the joints. You could try a running belt for pool running if you don't enjoy swimming.

Since I started this thread, I have started swimming laps. I do an hour of laps, then go to the warm pool for an hour of water aerobics (which I had been doing long before the foot problem). I do this 3 x a week and really love it. My weight loss has actually increased since I started swimming instead of walking I still walk, but not as far as I used to.

Good for you! Glad it has been a successful experience so far.

earlnabby

AglaeaC wrote: »

earlnabby wrote: »

AglaeaC wrote: »

How about swimming, would that work for you? It is supposed to be gentler on the joints. You could try a running belt for pool running if you don't enjoy swimming.

Since I started this thread, I have started swimming laps. I do an hour of laps, then go to the warm pool for an hour of water aerobics (which I had been doing long before the foot problem). I do this 3 x a week and really love it. My weight loss has actually increased since I started swimming instead of walking I still walk, but not as far as I used to.

Good for you! Glad it has been a successful experience so far.

Yeah, I am slow and my technique sucks but I still get a little over 1/2 mile in during that hour. My goal is to stay with the hour and work on technique and speed so I can do more laps in the same period of time.

I was reminded of the hazards of walking outside last weekend. I went for a walk in my neighborhood and was motoring along at a good speed when I stepped on a thin patch of mud. My right leg went out in front of me and my left leg kind of crumpled as I went down. A wrenched knee and sprained ankle were the result I spent most of this past week with my foot elevated and either wrapped or in the boot my ortho gave me when I had things to do. Now both feet hurt. Boo. I was able to swim again on Friday and took the class although I had to modify some of the movements. I think I will stick to walking laps in my underground parking until spring, except when I can get out snowshoeing.