Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 12:18:17 PM

Title: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 12:18:17 PM
I have just gone 66 and been diagnosed with arthritis in my feet.  I am on local hrt but not systematic.  Would going on some systemic hrt slow down or ease the arthritis?  Feeling scared about it all.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: jaypo on April 21, 2024, 03:45:11 PM
I have arthritis in my feet,well,my toes,get some good supportive footwear,preferably something with a non bendy sole, I was recommended Fitflops by an orthopaedic specialist x
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 21, 2024, 03:46:26 PM
Hi no need to be scared, what's the worst that could happen?  Who gave you the diagnosis, was it a physical exam and/or X-rays?

We evolved to walk upright so our whole body weight lands though the body onto those poor little feet and toes.  How mine have survived thus far: skipping, dancing for 9 years, cycling, walking  ::).  Wear and tear = arthritis.  'tis' - inflammation of the joints.  MayB have a lookC at your foot wear as we can tend towards dropped arches as we age. 

We need a lot more support these days but not into granny shoes - yet ;-).  Have U been advised regarding pain relief when necessary.

Also how is your overall stance? 
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 04:15:11 PM
Yes it's in my toes, especially left big toe.  I was seen by a podiatrist. Waiting on x-ray results.  Don't want to spend a fortune on new range of footwear.  Bought some expensive boots a few months ago that were comfy but now not.  I walk a lot, don't drive and it's been bloody painful recently.  Early days I know.  Have to learn to cope.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 21, 2024, 04:18:57 PM
Footwear - may seem expensive but once bought, that's it.  If they help your overall body will benefit.  The spine compensates from head to toe especially where feet are involved, mayB have a lookC at Boots web-site to see if there are insoles etc. that might ease symptoms.

If U have a good pair of shoes that have plenty of wear left, U may find, once the X-ray results are back, that a cobbler would be able to fix an appropriate support .  Who organised the X-ray, hopefully he/she will give you the result as well as advice.

Let us know.  We rely so much on those feet! 
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 04:29:28 PM
But insoles etc make existing shoes too tight. I've a lot of footwear I'm reluctant to give up. I've never worn high heels.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 21, 2024, 05:20:16 PM
Oh I wobbled around in 2" heels for a while  ;D and nope, no photos  :D.  Agree that some insoles may make shoes tighter which is why shopping around might work for you.  Is the pain constant or when walking etc.?

I still can't work out how dancers on Strictly walk across the floor in those heels leave alone do routines with a partner  :rofl:

Let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 05:29:46 PM
I always wear flat shoes.  The pain is fluctuating, some days good some not .  Thank you for your help.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: jaypo on April 21, 2024, 05:52:44 PM
I KNOW it's a pest buying new shoes but it seems your like me,it's my big toes too,flat shoes are ok but when you walk,is your big toe constantly bending? If it is,this will wear at the joint where the arthritis is. I love wedges because they're rigid and my toe doesn't constantly bend.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 21, 2024, 07:12:06 PM
I am so clumsy these days  :-\ don't seem to know where my shoes nor slippers might be whilst walking ..... 

Mum had a bunion but I haven't suffered with those.  I have 'flat feet', DH has high insteps  ::).    Plants fasciitis is also very painful.

If foot problems are severe the NHS should be able to recommend appropriate shoes etc..   
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 07:13:30 PM
Yes I understand jaypo, but what about indoors etc.  How to stop toes bending all the time? Also, getting a range of shoes, summer, waterproof, etc.  It's a real issue.
Does anyone think hrt might help?  Has anyone had cortisone injections?
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 21, 2024, 07:16:09 PM
Depo-medrone can ease symptoms in many joints, whether the benefit would last is individual.  It's a steroid so reduces inflammation.  I would go for insoles etc. first ;-)
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: jaypo on April 21, 2024, 07:19:20 PM
Cortisone injections are great but you can't have them long term.
Indoors I wear Skechers Bob mule slippers,they are brilliant and keep the foot rigid
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: getting_old on April 21, 2024, 07:37:33 PM
I've had arthritis in my knees for many years. It's genetic, inherited from my grandmother. I also have arthritis in one foot, plus had plantar fasciatis (sp?) in both feet for a period. I found specialist PF insoles really helped, along with exercises that I got from a PF forum. Interestingly the people on the PF forum are totally anit-Skechers, saying they are the worst possible shoes for your feet.
For the arthritis I find keeping my feet warm and moving helps. It's when they get cold and stiff that the pain is worst.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: misskh on April 21, 2024, 07:40:31 PM
I had bunion surgery and had my big toe fused due to arthritis, in fact both have been fused one successful one not.

Also have arthritis in my knee and thumb up near the spongy bit by the hand, if ever I knock that it makes me feel quite sick.

I do take codine most days and naproxin when it gets to painful to sleep but really would like to manage it some other way.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: jaypo on April 21, 2024, 07:44:19 PM
Nooooo they're honestly great getting old,they don't slip off your foot,so you're not gripping with your toes,my orthopaedic surgeon told me which footwear to get and so far she's not been wrong BUT I dare say,what works for one,may not work for another 🤷‍♀️
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: getting_old on April 21, 2024, 07:57:01 PM
I was really surprised Jaypo, but it seemed like everyone in the forum thought Skechers were the worst shoes ever! As I just replace all shoe insoles with the PF ones it doesn't worry me, but I did notice the Skechers insoles have less arch support than the PF ones I get.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: jaypo on April 21, 2024, 08:00:10 PM
I only can speak about the Bob slippers,she didn't mention the Skecher shoes or trainers, I think they are quite soft aren't they? Ahhhh getting old is such fun 🙄 ;D
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 08:02:09 PM
How do you fit the insoles in your existing shoes?  Aren't they tight?  I've tried and it doesn't feel right.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: AKatieD on April 21, 2024, 09:17:01 PM
Yes, that is why I started HRT as oestrogen is associated with cartilage repair.

5 years or so ago I had an MRI on my knees and surgeon said I had OA and was on run down to knee replacement. Knee kept flaring up when I ran and he told me to stop doing that.

I have been on gel based HRT for about 3 years now. No knee pain and back to running.

I cant say HRT has been an easy ride but has been great for my ostearthritis. Barefoot shoes also helped - tried heels once and abandoned them as too painful.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: getting_old on April 21, 2024, 10:09:40 PM
How do you fit the insoles in your existing shoes?  Aren't they tight?  I've tried and it doesn't feel right.

I take the original insoles out, and replace them with the specialist ones
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: getting_old on April 21, 2024, 10:11:00 PM
I only can speak about the Bob slippers,she didn't mention the Skecher shoes or trainers, I think they are quite soft aren't they? Ahhhh getting old is such fun 🙄 ;D

For some reason the Bob slippers never work for me. I so want a pair because I love the designs but every pair I try is uncomfortable or a poor fit.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: suzysunday on April 21, 2024, 10:11:07 PM
Thank you for your replies. Very helpful.
Title: Re: Arthritis
Post by: CLKD on April 22, 2024, 07:46:35 AM
Morning.  Any medication with 'co' in the title makes me really really ill  :-X :'( and codeine products shouldn't be taken more than 4 days on the run/trot ;-)

Cortisone injections are great but you can't have them long term. ........ .  OUCH is my response  ;)