Date: 28.09.2010
From: Jack
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Subject: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Hi there. My mother has strong pains in the heel of her foot. She hand an injection a few months ago, which helped ease the pain a lot, but she cannot have another one for two months. Is there anything we could do to ease her pain? I bought her some gel heel pads, but they didnt help much. I read that using ice at night could help as well as using an ankle support? Maybe even doing calf stretches? If anyone has any recommendations or help - that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Date: 28.09.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Jack has she been seen by an Orthotics expert and/ or an Occupational Therapist ? She can be referred by her GP or Rhematologist/ Consultant. They can give advice and prescribe things like - Orthotics [ shoe inserts ] - ankle brace [ I wear one and I don't think I could walk without it ] - splints for wrists etc - shower seats - high toilet seats etc etc. It was the best thing I have done because all the equipment they gave me has made my life a lot more comfortable.
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Date: 30.09.2010
From: Jack
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Subject: Re: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Thanks for your response KayJay. I will certainly go to the GP with my mother and ask for those things. The GP actually recommended my mum some heel pads, but I am not sure why he didnt then refer orthotics/OT ? Do you have experience of using those injections I mentioned earlier ?
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Date: 30.09.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Yes the pain I have is in my left ankle and have had 2 Steroid injections but it didn't really do anything for it. The only time I have been pain free is when they injected it with anaesthetic before I had a scan. But obviously that's not a practical solution !! I just wear an ankle brace now prescribed by the Orthopedic dr but he won't fuse my ankle because of the recent diagnosis of RA. Has your Mum been referred to a Rheumatologist yet ? that's who then referred me to Orthotics/OT/Physiotherapist. Sometimes you have to request the referral from a GP as they don't always see it as neccesary. I don't know why ? but she is entitled to this service as an NHS patient. Good Luck ;0)
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Date: 02.10.2010
From: Jack
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Subject: Re: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Thank you very much - she has a GP check up on Monday and I shall ask for a referral then. Thank you !
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Date: 03.10.2010
From: KayJay
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Subject: Re: Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis in the heel
Hi Jack hope all goes well tomorrow ;0)
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