Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Pain Hacks

Home » Blog » Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Pain Hacks

People with rheumatoid arthritis frequently experience pain and stiffness in the balls of their feet or toes. Swelling in the ankles is another common issue. The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society says that 90 percent of people dealing with RA complain of these foot pain symptoms.

While RA sufferers should align themselves with a podiatrist, wearing the right footwear and losing weight can also help with your foot pain. There are also things you can do at home to alleviate your discomfort.

Here are five hacks for those who want to treat their RA-related foot pain at home.

1. Orange Juice Can Roll

Sure, you drink it for breakfast, but did you know it can also help relieve foot pain? Instead of mixing your frozen juice in a pitcher, wrap a small towel around the can and put in on the floor in front of your chair. Run your foot back and forth over the frozen can for soothing comfort.

2. Dried Beans Massage

How many times have you tried to rub your own feet, with no result? It just doesn’t feel the same as having someone else do it. To give yourself a pretty good foot massage, pour a package of dried beans into a shallow tray and rub your feet on them; or put some in the bottom of your tennis shoes and take a walk.

3. Reduce Moisture with Antiperspirant

Blisters on the bottoms of your feet can cause even more pain that you would rather not deal with. To prevent blisters from forming on your feet, apply antiperspirant to the soles of your feet. This will keep them dry, depriving them of the moisture required for blisters to form.

4. Compression Socks “Shoehorn”

Putting on compression socks can be a hassle for people with rheumatoid arthritis, as they have to contort their feet in uncomfortable ways to be able to wear them. Here’s an easy trick to help you pull those socks on with ease. Cut the corner of a plastic grocery bag and slip it over your foot, from toes to heel. Slide the stockings on and then simply pull the plastic out.

5. Chamomile Tea Soak

This hack has no scientific basis, but some people claim that they have experienced RA foot pain relief by soaking their feet in a strong chamomile tea. Add tea bags to hot water, let the water cool slightly and then soak your feet for 10 minutes or so. It may not work for you, but then again it might.

Foot pain can affect your whole life. You don’t want to walk, and you certainly don’t want to run. Try these 5 hacks and see if they work for you. You may find relief sooner than you think.

If rheumatoid arthritis is new to you, or something you suspect you may have, reach out to Dr. Elizabeth E. Auger in Salt Lake City. Call (801) 396-9743 today to schedule a same-day appointment!