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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Sore and stiff feet

by Cheryl
(Moline,IL)

Both the tops and bottoms of my feet are very sore and stiff, especially after I have been sitting for a period of time or in the mornings. Even the ankle takes a moment to flex again and then after walking for a bit, the pain subsides. It feels like the pain is going all the way through from the bottom to the tops of the feet. Sometimes massaging the feet helps to make them more mobile. I am 52 years old and wonder if this is the start of arthritis.

Hi Cheryl,
Welcome to the world of middle age. Your symptoms sound like they were taken right out of a textbook on arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis which is the "wear and tear" arthritis most of develop as we get older.
The severity of the pain determines how you deal with it. If your stiffness disappears in a short period of time then nothing really need be done; however, if the pain lasts for a few hours until it disappears then you might want to start with some of the alternative methods I have on my arthritis page. Assuming you can tolerate it, an occasional Motrin or Advil is fine for a "bad" day, but I would not recommend a regular diet of that type of medication.
Hope this helps.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for Sore and stiff feet

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Aug 17, 2016
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Stiff and Painful feet
by: Anonymous

I have been tested for arthritis and it does not seem to show up in tests... but the pain is unbearable for about 2 minutes when I first start walking. What else can be done?

Jan 16, 2016
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Stiff
by: Mary

My feet are stiff after sitting; laying in bed at night they remain stiff on outer bottoms. my fingers in one hand are stiff; I have nervous leg when ridding I car. My balance walking is not good. And it is not good getting up in night.

Jul 29, 2013
Rating

Arthritis Pain exacerbated by weather change
by: Anonymous

I up stiff from my back to the bottom of my feet. My ankles are stiff and a burning sensation from ankles to top and bottom of my feet. Weather changes intensify back pain and brings on sciatica so painful medicine is mandatory and only helps some of the pain it does not take away all of the symptom

Jul 19, 2012
Rating

Soreness
by: Anonymous

My foot feels like it is bruised right before the heel of my foot at the end of my arch. It hurts when you rough it & when I walk. What could this be?

Nov 18, 2011
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me too!
by: Sarah K

I'm only 31 and this same thing is happening to me. Could it really be arthritis?

Sep 24, 2009
Rating

stiff feet
by: Karen

Hi Cheryl,

When I turned 45 I went through menopause and this is when I started to get stiff and sore feet in the mornings. Soon to follow were my stiff finger joints. My doctor did not know what it was and was not helpful but did run a complete blood test. It turned out that my thyroid was underworking(hypothyroid) and I was put on Levothyroxine 0.125mg. Within 2 weeks I strted feeling better. My stiff feet and hands were history by the end of the month.
Our Thyroid is the master glan controling most functions in our body.
Worth looking into.
Good luck.

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(location unknown)

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Scotland

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(location unknown)

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LH

(location unknown)

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Joe

(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Madison, Alabama

Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....

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Denison, TX

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West lafayette, IN

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Texas

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Tampa, Florida 33624

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Steve

Dear Dr.Mitnick

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Regards,

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South Africa

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Placentia, California

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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Pacific Grove, CA

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All the best,

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Alameda, California

By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!

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Anonymous

Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN

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New Zealand

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Sincerely

Josette

Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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Arizona

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Thanks, Kathy

Florida

1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......

Anna

Poland

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M P

South Carolina

Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....

Natalie

unknown location

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Arlington, VA

Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)

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San Clemente, CA

Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pam

location unknown

Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.

Glen

location unknown

I have been experiencing foot pain of various sorts and am working to figure out what it is. I found this site and can only say BRAVO!! What an excellent site! The time it must have taken to put all this together must've been a daunting task! I am sure it has helped so many people. Thank you so very much for doing this.

Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous

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Anna

Poland

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Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!!

Bonnie

location unknown

Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.

Bill

New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.

Chrissy

location unknown

Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.

Russ W.

location unknown

Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.

-Sunny.

location unknown

Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.

Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY

Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,

Jill S.

location unknown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Jackie

Whichita, KS

thanks again, this site is very helpful.

mark

Boston, MA

Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.

....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.

Michelle

Colorado

Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.

annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada

I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown

Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!

Nancie

Wisconsin

Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....

Julie

location unknown

Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC

Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA

I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!

Jodi

location unknown

Sore and stiff feet

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