Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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feet/hip locking up?) walking down stairs?

newatra
newatra
Often it takes me a long time to walk down a flight of stairs - especially if I'm not wearing supportive shoes such as good running shoes.
It feels like something in my feet sort of lock up ..or maybe go into a spasm. It's scary cause I have to hang onto something so I don't fall!

And my right hip gets very stiff (which has been the latest joint to be affected) and sore, which also makes the downward motion difficult. Walking UP stairs is much easier.

Anyone here relate to this?
I've also just learned that tendons can be affected as well as joints, which may explain the foot thing.
Sistahbear
Sistahbear
I, along with many I have heard from on here, suffer from constant and recurring tendonitis pretty much all over but esp in my feet. I have had to have an Achilles reattachment surgery this past September due to a rupture stemming from the tendonitis so it's important for me to stick with Physical therapy, supportive shoes, and when things flare I have a walking "boot" that I can use for whichever foot is giving me the worse problems at the moment when it's bad. My journey with RA has me stocking up on supportive shoes, splints, braces,ice packs, heating pads, etc for whichever area is screaming the most. A good podiatrist is mandatory for me also since besides the problem with RA, I have diabetes so foot care is extremely important all the way around. Good luck and gentle hugs. -Donna
towne75
towne75
Feet seem to be one of the more common places that affects people with RA, but it sounds like yours are a little more extreme. My feet were really bad when I was first diagnosed, and I used to sit coming down the stairs which might not be an option for you with your hip either. Now, my feet are sore in the morning, but they are not my main problem. Like you, to walk without shoes is not an option, but I do ok in a good pair of crocs for now. I sure hope you can find some relief soon, and get yourself moving with less pain. Do they improve at all as the day goes on?
ScarlettLeo
ScarlettLeo
I've had pain in my right foot for awhile now, but it doesn't "lock up" - so I defer to others with more experience to advise you on that.

However, I do consider myself a semi "hip expert by default" since RA utterly destroyed my hip joints in a very brief period of time. I now have 2 total hip joint replacements.

The hip feeling stiff and locking up is how it started for me - when I read your description it was total deja vu. Have you had x-rays and scans of your hips? If not, please get them ASAP.

And yes, walking down stairs would always cause my hips to "lock" and I fell down more than once. One time at a public library, to my utter humiliation. Thank goodness nothing broke (except my pride, ha ha).

Anyway, get your hips checked out asap - learn from my mistakes!

Best of luck!
newatra
newatra
It can get somewhat better as the day goes on... except when I've been sitting for awhile and then stiffen up again. It seems like I have to stay in almost a constant state of movement - even if moving hurts! :-/
I haven't had any x-rays yet since this is such a new diagnosis, but I'm seeing the rheumatologist again in a few weeks and will bring all this stuff up with him.
ScarlettLeo
ScarlettLeo
Ahh, the old "hurts too much to move, but body goes into freeze-lock mode after sitting too long" - we all can sympathize with that. :(

Definitely ask for scans/xrays - keep us updated, and best of luck!