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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Sensitive tops of feet & toes

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

I have experienced first the right foot last week, and tonight my left foot is extremely sensitive to the touch. The top of my foot and the top of my toes are sensitive but only on one foot. Is this RA? Or something new and fun to figure out? Any thoughts??? Thank you in advance. And my apologies if this has been addressed. I looked, but didn't find anything. Lol and if I have asked it then just chalk it up to RA Fog please! 🙃

March 20
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Answer Summary

Members jumped in to help with the question about sensitive tops of feet and toes, with many agreeing it sounded like neuropathy rather than... Read more

Members jumped in to help with the question about sensitive tops of feet and toes, with many agreeing it sounded like neuropathy rather than RA alone. Several members shared their own experiences managing nerve pain, including taking Gabapentin or Lyrica, wearing socks to bed, and switching to bamboo sheets to reduce fabric sensitivity. A recurring theme was the importance of not assuming all new pain is RA-related, with members urging each other to check with doctors since similar symptoms had turned out to be blood clots, kidney stones, or other conditions.

A myRAteam Member

I totally understand the bed sheet comment Janet. I have discovered Bamboo Sheets are wonderful! I knew nothing about bamboo until we visited some islands while on a cruise. I have actually found a brand I love on Amazon and if I'm really good (which let's face it, that's hard) I can save enough points on my credit card to trade for a set of sheets! I know they're not really "Free" but in my head they are! Lol. If you have never tried them, it might be a good investment for you. I like them and so does my skeptical husband. Now its all he wants to sleep on! 😉

March 28
myRAteam

Could this sensitivity on the tops of your feet and toes be related to RA?

The sensitivity you're experiencing could be related to RA, but it's worth noting that RA symptoms typically appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. Since you're experiencing this on one foot at a time, it might be something else going on.

Show Full Answer

Could this sensitivity on the tops of your feet and toes be related to RA?

The sensitivity you're experiencing could be related to RA, but it's worth noting that RA symptoms typically appear symmetrically on both sides of the body. Since you're experiencing this on one foot at a time, it might be something else going on.

RA commonly affects the feet and ankles, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, the extreme sensitivity to touch you're describing sounds more like it could be peripheral neuropathy, which can occur alongside RA.

Peripheral neuropathy can cause:
* Numbness and pins-and-needles sensations in toes and feet
* Sharp, throbbing, burning, or shooting pain
* Extreme sensitivity to touch
* The feeling of wearing an invisible sock or glove

A myRAteam member shared: "Your feet are numb to feeling, yet there is awful nerve pain."

Since this is a new symptom and affecting only one foot at a time, it's important to let your rheumatologist or healthcare provider know. They can determine whether this is RA-related, peripheral neuropathy, or something else entirely through a physical exam and possibly imaging tests.

March 20
A myRAteam Member

All pain is not RA. I actually had a fractured rib. I thought it was RA. Please have new aches and pains checked out. You never know

May 24
A myRAteam Member

That kind of sensitivity can happen, but it’s not always easy to pin directly on RA. It could be inflammation in the joints or tendons, or even nerve-related sensitivity, especially if it’s just one foot at a time. RA can show up in different ways, but sudden localized pain like this is worth mentioning to your doctor. If it keeps happening or gets worse, definitely get it checked to rule out anything else.

March 21
A myRAteam Member

Whatever works! Drugs, sheets, try anything. I now have to factor in this psoriasis which is as irritable as the neuropathy. I need bedding that is agreeable to both. It would help if we could all get on the same programme. I really do not think that is too much to ask.

March 28

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