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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puffster 09/19/2011

I feel so stupid. I was doing pretty well since I had started Orencia in March. My left foot pain was almost gone and only my complaint was the middle toe in my left foot.

Earlier this week, I slept in a wrong way, and I have had big pain in my neck and shoulder this entire week. In addition, I have been so busy at my work for the last four weeks, working long hours and weekends. So I thought I would treat myself and went to have a body massage. I told the lady I want my middle toe in my left foot untouched, but I didn't tell her not to massage my entire left foot. She had pretty strong touch during the masage. I work up this morning with not only my shoulder is more painful, but I started having a sharp pain in my left foot. It comes and goes, but it is really bothering me all day. I feel so stupid that I didn't tell her not to touch my entire left foot.

Sorry that I am venting, but I am scared that I may have permanently damaged my foot that was already in a bad shape. I am totally regretting now that I went to have the massage.

deleted_user 09/19/2011

I'm not sure she could have damaged your foot, but if she had a strong touch, it could be sore for a while. All I know about massage is that it does stir up toxins, so try to hydrate and try to keep your foot above your heart to encourage the circulation to move the toxins out. I don't know if warm showers / warm heat help you, but if they do, that could also help loosen up the toxins and get them moving out. Hope you feel better soon.

puffster 09/19/2011

Madi,
I didn't think about toxins after massage. I have been feeling more thirsty today than usual. Like you suggested, I will try hydrate myself and see what happens. Thank you so much for your reply. You already made me feel little better!

deleted_user 09/19/2011

Epsom salts. Old fashioned, but it works! I always had a good soak after massage and it really helped to keep the soreness down. You can soak just your feet. I have chronic, constant foot pain so you have my utmost sympathy. Please try it. Pick it up at any drugstore, Walmart, Target, etc. You will find relief, I promise. C

deleted_user 09/19/2011

I actually canceled my massage this morning......rain plus too much work left me in too much pain to even think about being touched by my massage therapist.

I agree with Madi that the toxins are a good culprit in your pain.....that and the manipulation. I was more sore in my shoulders after my last massage due to her being too firm in that area. For mine it is a learning experience....she needs to get to know my body. I am hoping to go once a month while I am working.

Hope you feel better..........Marianne

deleted_user 09/19/2011

It's really important when you're getting a massage to let the therapist know you have RA and that your immune system is weakened. Massage can be a wonderful way to help relax those sore muscles--but too much of a good thing can make you feel wretched. I always tell my therapist to go very light so she doesn't flare me by dumping too many toxins all at once. Drinking lots of water for a couple of days afterward is always a good plan (well, drinking plenty of water all the time is a good idea!) Just chalk this massage up to a learning experience.

ThisToo 09/20/2011

the one time I had a massage I had no problems other than over relaxation. he told me some people actually can't drive home; it affects them like being drunk. he did say some people suffer after from the lactic acids being moved around.
epsom salts defintely help !

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