Losing Mobility

Hi . I already addressed this in your status update, but I wanted to respond here as well. Methotrexate is the first medication doctors try for PsA because it is relatively inexpensive and most drug companies require that you try it first, but it doesn't help everyone. I hope you will get support here from people who have had success with biologics. If they help, they can change your life. Only your doctor can tell you whether there any permanent damage to your heels, but chances are good that if medications reduce your inflammation, you will be in far less pain. Here is an article about managing PsA heel pain that you might find helpful right now while you are waiting for Humira: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/heel-pain-tips. I hope this helps and that you get reassurances and relief. Warmly, Lori (Team Member)

I have terrible problems with my feet & have had them for years before being diagnosed with PsA. I was a letter carrier for 14 years & always attributed my feet problems to my job. 8 years ago I went to a foot & ankle surgeon because, even though I was retired for many years, my feet problems just kept getting worse. I had orthotics custom made for my shoes & that helped tremendously. I was diagnosed with RA & PsA 2 years ago & with the diagnosises came the understanding of what I had been suffering with most of my life, even as a child. I am responding to you to suggest that maybe a foot & ankle surgeon would be of help to you, too. I hope you feel better.

Hi It took 10 years for me to be diagnosed too as nothing showed up in the tests unfortunately. I had joint pain before any sign of psoriasis which meant a lot of damage was done to my joints (feet and hands) before I started treatment. It sounds like you have plantar fasciitis symptoms which I also get. I've tried all sorts of drug combinations and am now on Methotrexate and a biologic (Etanercept) as a combination and the pain has gradually subsided. For me the biologic is working to reduce the inflammation and I'm keeping the Methotrexate going to control the psoriasis. At the start of treatment I could barely move but now I'm back to almost normal life although I struggle with fatigue and residual joint pain but anti-inflammatories manage that and I make sure to do gentle stretches every morning and to walk to keep everything moving. In terms of the heel pain. I live in trainers now and use physio recommended exercises to reduce the pain. Don't loose hope as once they've got the meds right, the pain should be a lot less.