That kind of leg pain with RA is more common than you might think, and you're definitely not alone in experiencing it. The sensation can feel like nerve pain, pinching, stabbing, or even like someone is hammering your bones — and it can be truly unbearable.
One myRAteam member described it as feeling like "a little man is Show Full Answer
That kind of leg pain with RA is more common than you might think, and you're definitely not alone in experiencing it. The sensation can feel like nerve pain, pinching, stabbing, or even like someone is hammering your bones — and it can be truly unbearable.
One myRAteam member described it as feeling like "a little man is hitting my shin bone with a hammer," while another said their feet and leg bones hurt so bad they "just want to scream." This type of pain can be linked to peripheral neuropathy, which some people with RA develop. It happens when inflammation and joint damage affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include:
- Pins-and-needles or numbness
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Difficulty walking or keeping balance
- Symptoms that feel worse at night
The pain can start in the feet or toes and spread upward toward the knees, as one myRAteam member described firsthand. It's really important to bring this up with your rheumatologist as soon as possible. Catching nerve-related symptoms early can make a big difference in finding the right treatment and getting some relief. Don't tough it out in silence — unbearable pain is a signal your body is sending that deserves attention.
August 16
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