Heel pain that makes walking nearly impossible is something many myRAteam members know all too well. One myRAteam member described their heel simply as feeling "broken," while another shared that after a jog and walk, they suddenly couldn't put any weight on their foot at all.
Over 90% of people with RA experience foot or Show Full Answer
Heel pain that makes walking nearly impossible is something many myRAteam members know all too well. One myRAteam member described their heel simply as feeling "broken," while another shared that after a jog and walk, they suddenly couldn't put any weight on their foot at all.
Over 90% of people with RA experience foot or ankle pain at some point, so you are definitely not alone in this. Heel pain in RA can sometimes be linked to inflammation where tendons and ligaments connect to the bone. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and balance issues that make walking very difficult.
Here are some approaches that have helped others manage heel and foot pain:
- Supportive footwear — wearing well-fitted shoes or adjustable slippers can make a real difference
- Epsom salt foot soaks — a myRAteam member swears by hot water and Epsom salt soaks, followed by coconut oil
- Icing — applying ice (not directly to skin) for around 20 minutes, a few times a day
- Low-impact exercise — swimming or recumbent biking to maintain strength without stressing the feet
- Medications — NSAIDs, biologics, or DMARDs prescribed by your doctor may help reduce inflammation
Seeing a podiatrist or occupational therapist is worth considering if heel pain is seriously affecting your daily life. Most importantly, keep communicating with your rheumatologist — if current treatments aren't helping, let them know.
July 31
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