Arthritic Feet! Help Please!

The orthotics I had from the hospital were too deep to fit into any shoes and were rock hard to walk on. I have no idea what they were supposed to achieve!

Orthotics from the MHS podiatrist before the service is fully closed down.
As Jalima says very flat shoes won't help. The podiatrist told me if I buy shoes that won't take the orthotic, to buy one with a slightly raised platform to the heel.
I can't take anti inflammatories any more - I really miss the pain relief they gave, simply the best. If you can take anti inflammatories, then do so.
Yes to using those Nordic walking poles, they do take pressure of the knees, hips and feet.
Keep moving, keep warm and enjoy being outside

I second what others have said about painkillers. They work (mostly) by keeping down inflammation, which is what is damaging your joints and causing the arthritis to give you pain. Taking them is not being a wimp, it is using medication which is known to help your condition. Added to that, without pain you would be able to do more walking and be healthier, and you would not be tensed against the pain and causing yourself more problems elsewhere. Toughing it out is not heroic, just stubborn. You may have to try various NSAIDs to find the one and the dosage that suits you, but your GP or a pain clinic would give you advice and assistance.

I'm not sure what you mean by priotic.

If you have not been prescribed orthotics then it could be a good idea to ask to be referred to a podiatrist as they will be custom-made for you. They do take a lot of getting used to (a year in my case) but my feet are much more comfortable now, although some days I still get pain in them. Some days are better than others.

I find some shoes, however sturdy, are not good if they are too flat; one with a slightly raised heel is better in a trainer or shoe.

The only thing that really gives pain relief, though, is Naproxen, which the GP refuses to prescribe and it is not available off prescription.

I feel your pain! I have a bunnionette on the outside of my left foot. My lovely boots are now murder to walk in. I hope my summer sandals are still comfortable, but I haven't tried them on yet. I take ibuprofen on a regular basis, and I'm thinking about getting gel supports for my shoes. I recently bought a pair of Sketchers shoes which I can walk in for most of the day.

When I was under the hospital with the arthritis in my hand they said 'heat and more heat'. I sleep with my hand on a hot water bottle. As for my feet, I wear soft trainers with cushioned insoles. Instead of walking as much as I used to I now have gym membership (£19 per month) and use the sauna there a lot. Put voltarol/ibuprofen gel on my hands/feet. Also using walking poles takes a bit of pressure off your feet and is good cardio vascular wise.

I imagine that all the people you’ve seen have told you to take painkillers as they are also anti inflammatories and are there to help you.

You could try Orthotics in your shoes my DD wears them for her Arthritis.

Try 20 minute walks more often than 40 minute walks.

You don’t give your age, but you sound pretty active and now you don’t have a car, maybe you’re pushing yourself too hard?
Sometimes you have to make adjustments when your body changes.

Is there a reason why you are so opposed to taking painkillers?
It seems the obvious answer, if the pain is affecting walking.

I'm the last person to ask really as I am sitting here with my heavily bandaged post op foor (one already done) from arthritis. What I would say is taking painkillers is not a failure- pain is not a badge of hour its your body telling you something so take them. Don't be like me and delay any surgery that's needed until your bones have crumbled to mush. Take the clinical advice please and my best wishes.