Osteoarthritis and pain in the feet - Arthritis Message Board

huckfinn · 10-18-2007, 01:19 PM

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a rheumatologist about 2 years ago. I have been having the most trouble with my lower spine, and at times most of my joints.

For the last 2 months, the bottoms of both of my feet are hurting very, very badly. If I try to go shopping, like to wallymarty, my feet begin to hurt and after 20 minutes or so, I feel like I am walking on hot rocks. This pain eases a bit the next day, but it sometimes takes over a week to get back to "normal" foot pain.

I also get a lot of head to toe muscle pain and lots of fatigue. I do have heart disease, but am trying to figure out if OA causes anyone here muscle pain and fatigue. I would also appreciate any comment on the foot pain.

Thanks so much for reading and any advice/info would be greatly appreciated

2hiptobetrue · 10-18-2007, 02:02 PM

huckfinn, I feel for you. Have you had MRI's and/or xrays on your hips and knees as well? I did all three: hips, knees and lower back and had OA all places but this year, 2 THR have helped me to be able to walk and stand again with out pain. YOu may be having referred pain to your feet, and yes, it would burn. DO your legs burn as well? Ache, pins and needles pain? Just wondering....

Baybreeze · 10-20-2007, 06:46 AM

I was also just thinking that burning in your feet might possibly be nerve pain related to your spine. Like if you have a big disc herniation or bad enough spinal stenosis, it can compress nerves in your spine. Those nerves can send signals and make you feel things all the way down to your feet.

I know OA can end up causing fatigue, I dont think it directly causes muscle pain, though if you cant walk correctly it can cause other muscles that are working harder by compensating to start aching from over use. Like if you have pain in one foot, then start limping & favoring the other leg, that other leg's muscles may get sore b/c it's now working harder.

THere are many reasons why your feet may be burning, who knows maybe the heart condition might even have something to do with it, I dont know. Best thing would be to ask your doctor about it.

huckfinn · 10-20-2007, 08:26 AM

Thanks so much to both of you for your informative replies

I am sorry to be late in getting back to you. I carried my wife to the ER 2 nights ago. Her WBC count was 39(000)! Set a record at our small hospital. She had a spinal tap yesterday. Bacterial meningitis was ruled out, but not viral or fungal.

I am remembering that OA causes my knuckle joints to get hot, when it decides to flare up in them. Maybe this could be that OA is doing the same in my feet?

My question about muscle aches being associated with OA was silly, after I think about it. I take too many heart medicines that have adverse side effects and have also been diagnosed with FM and CFS.

I am a wreck I guess

Thanks so much for your kindness,

Huck

JoanMack · 10-25-2007, 08:42 AM

could you possibly get an orthotic (spelling??) to put in your shoes...it may be necessary to get bigger shoes to accommodate the orthotic. you might try a good shoe store. dr. scholl's has gel-like inserts (sold in drugstores). you must pay the $ price to get good shoes and inserts.