Advice for arthritis in foot

Are you a candidate for a cortisone shot? It's always worth it to ask, and I'm not a doctor so not qualified to give medical advice. When I first had bone spurs in my big toe, ( and subsequent surgery) I didn't know what to ask. I was lucky that the cortisone shots gave me so much relief.

Voltaren is a cream which is not longer prescription, which can help arthritis pain. It's available over the counter now, and can be effective.

Sounds like you have good shoes. I'm a fan of Hoka. For rest times, I use oofos sandals, which were develop for planter fasciitis . These are incredible !

Yes, use cabs and give your feet a break. Sending good wishes. Safe travels.

Don’t be discouraged.

Make absolutely certain the shoes you are taking are comfortable and provide support.

The use of trains, busses, and Underground will help ease your travels. So will moleskin.

If hubby wants to do the walk from the train station let him. You should hail a cab.

I have arthritis in my thumb/wrist joint. The physical therapist I saw recommended two things that really help.

One is diclofenac topical gel (this is the generic name for the Voltaren recommended by Pat). The other is heat—-he suggested making a “rice bag” that I can heat in the microwave, and that works well. It is just 2 pounds of dry (uncooked) rice sewn into a small bag. The pain relief from the warmth lasts for hours, and actually I hardly need it any more. The pain has decreased a lot since I was diagnosed 4 years ago.

You might try the heat treatment—-a small hot water bottle would be better to carry for travel than a “rice bag”.

I just got home from my 2 mile walk and saw your timely post. Due to arthritis in my feet and back I had to drop my walking from 3 miles and 200 steps. It’s very frustrating. I just keep pushing on with a goal of 3+ miles per hour. I also do 45 minutes of exercises 3 to 4 times a week and 1/2 to 1 mile with incline on the treadmill. I have a RS tour in 3 months and another in next July, so have to keep moving.

But back to your questions, BethFL. It’s too late for this trip but buy good shoes. Shoe support wears out and most of us don't replace them often enough. Only you will know what feels good. Don’t worry about looks, just comfort. I bought the ugliest Keen rocker bottom shoes but they work. My go-to shoes are Ryka Devotion, until I can find something I like a little better. I went shopping recently, tried on at least 15 pair of shoes; bought one (the Keen). You may need to buy insoles to give you better arch support. Good socks are important too. Maybe compression sock?

I have problems with arthritis in my toes too. I found toe protectors help alleviate the pressure. This year I added seed corns to the problem mix. Plus an old tendon injury flares up occasionally. The joys of getting old(er)

I massage my feet and back with Voltaren as advised by my podiatrist. Advil, Tylenol or something stronger keep me going on bad days. Cortisone shots don’t work for me.

Good for you to ignore usual forum advice about how many pairs of shoes to take. Shoe rotation is good. So are public transportation and taxis.

Have a good time. Everything will work out fine. If you hurt, take a break. If your husband doesn’t have aches and pains, he will be slow to understand how you feel. It took my hubby falling off a ladder and hurting his shoulder to get it.

Are you sure plantar fasciitis is not a contributing problem?

Aetrex Jillian sandals to wear like slippers as can’t go barefoot any more
That's what I wear at home - my floors are too hard to go barefoot. They're in my suitcase now as "hotel shoes." And I can walk for miles in them, even when my feet are hurting.

I have to buy much better shoes and I shop for the lightest weight sneakers and ankle boots, so that I can bring both on my trips. Even then, I still use inserts.

I would recommend that you check with your podiatrist on advice for your specific condition. That’s the person that you should rely on for giving you accurate information in order to not further damage your feet.

What does your foot doctor say about this? That's whose advice I would want.

I suffered for years before I was referred to a podiatrist.
He told me the ONLY shoes he ever wears are New Balance.
And that they are the only shoes I should be wearing--all the time.

Since you said this: "I am leaving for a two week trip to England in less than two weeks."

You have time to go to a New Balance store. They have fitting experts there to help you choose the right shoe.
If I were you, I would not leave for your trip without a pair of New Balance shoes.
The other shoes you've listed promise comfort or a foam liner or whatever, but New Balance is the #1 choice of most podiatrists.

It would be worth the extra dollars to me to have a pair of New Balance for the trip.
They protect your feet from the impact of walking on concrete sidewalks, through airports, standing for long periods in museums, and more--which sneakers don't.
They basically have shock absorbers built in.

If you'll be walking around London, ordinary sneakers will not give your feet the support they need.

Covid cured my foot issues (capsulitis)! A couple years of wearing Haflinger and Birkenstock resulted in much happier feet. Specially made insoles are quite helpful, too. (It wasn't the COVID it cured me, it was wearing the Birks and Haflinger)

I had tried all kinds of sneakers and shoes. The shoes that have helped me the most are Brooks Ghost Runner and Jambu. The podiatrist said I needed a firm sole and the criteria for shoe choice is fit. I need wide, and the Ghost Runner comes in wide.

I'm sure RS does not have foot issues. If he did he'd be traveling with more pairs of shoes! Lately, I've been bringing at least 3 pairs, still in a carry on suitcase. Luckily my feet are smallish. In addition to the Ghost Runners, I also bring Merrill hiking shoes, and then some dressier like Taos sneakers (with insoles) and perhaps sandals. I need to change out the shoes I wear, occasionally.

Of all the things I've tried for my formerly chronically inflamed knees, a morning cup of "antiinflammatory tea" has helped the most. Recipe:

cup of brewed green tea
1/4 tsp of ground turmeric
1/4 tsp of ground ginger
small pinch of cinnamon
pinch of ground pepper
1/4 tsp honey
2 ounces unsweetened tart cherry juice (best price at Trader Joe's, and by itself is delicious)

Yes, its pretty disgusting, I don't even like green tea, but after a month or so of drinking it, my knees were so much happier. I no longer wear compression sleeves for heavier activity. You can buy turmeric capsules, but this tea is cheaper and has more antiinflamatory ingredients. If you have a finicky tummy, you should probably check with a doctor before starting. It did take a week or so for tummy side effects to dissipate, but not to be dramatic, this tea has been life changing for me. When I travel, unless I have access to a microwave and tart cherry juice, I do use the turmeric capsules that I get from Costco.

I have had cortisone. For a couple of years, I was getting it twice a year. I quit because some studies are indicating that it can speed the progression of arthritis.

I asked my orthopedist if the benefit of the tea is "all in my head". He said, there is good research to back up the use of the tea and that my knees were significantly improved.

For those use that use Diclofenac (brand name Voltaren). There are side effects, and if you have high blood pressure or on blood thinners, you should check with your doctor before using. It never seemed to work well for me, and it was a hassle to apply four times a day especially when traveling. However, while in Portugal, I purchased a twice a day strength. That did work, some. I've never seen it elsewhere. Maybe its available by prescription in the U.S.?

Thank you for all the support and advice. It means a lot.

Pat-I had not thought of cortisone shot. I had to have custom inserts modified so will have go back to podiatrist. I will ask about it.
I looked online and Voltarin is available in 1.7 ounce tubes so could take on carry on. I will have to try out first to see if helps enough to take up space! I did try Hookas at my podiatrist's recommendation but I found they actually made my feet worse.

Claudia-the Taos are new version of shoes I wore last year in Sicily. My podiatrist told me they are best shoes she has ever seen (I have taken all shoes with me to dr). My new ones (Kuru) felt really good yesterday-they don't tie up even where arthritis is, are plenty wide, and have a unique bootie built in that keeps ankle in. They have a good arch support but I am going to try others I have purchased as they don't have metatarsal support built in which I need for my other foot.
And hubby is just not adjusted to new reality. We always have walked a lot in Europe, often opting to walk rather than figure out public transportation.

Lola-I have been using ice. I haven't tried heat. I will give it a try.

horsewolfie-I am almost beyond caring how ugly shoes are! I tried out Hookas on advice of podiatrist which in my book are ugly as ugly goes but they actually made my feet worse. I actually have had different foot problems for years so have taken 3 pairs of shoes regularly. but just not so publicly!
I have historically been able to walk further than my husband (his legs wear out not his feet) so it will be an adjustment for him too.
I certainly hope you are soon able to return to your preferred workout.

Tim-I had a year suffering from plantar facilitus so I am well acquainted with what it feels like. I don't think that is an issue right now.

CWsocial-I too have worn the Jillian Astrex sandals for miles but just don't think it will be warm enough in England in May! I bought them before going to Crete when different foot problems made the sandals I had not work. I wore them a lot!

margie-I have been to a podiatrist and to a foot and ankle orthopedist. What I have seen with doctors is that they don't always think of everything and patients who may be surprised by a diagnosis don't either. I actually contacted orthopedist after appointment to ask about PT. He didn't mention it and I didn't think of it while I was there. I can't start though until after my trip.

Rebecca-as I said, above, I have seen a podiatrist. Mine recommended Hookas which only made my feet worst. She gave me alternative brands to try and Brooks was one of them. I just got a new pair of Kurus yesterday but I may make a trip to Brooks too. I am past the point of caring how much money I spend!

jules-I have never heard of covid doing anything good for people! So that alone is interesting.
I do wear Birkenstocks around the house a lot. I travel with the Astrex sandals because can walk further with them because of back straps. Plus they actually take up less room!
Firm sole is recommendation for me too. I have tried Brooks Ghost runners and even the wide wasn't wide enough for my feet. My daughter swears by them.
I have heard some negative things about cortisone too, I must admit but not Voltaren. I got a prescription from foot and ankle orthopedist. I am on medication for blood pressure but he didn't say anything about it.
But thank you most for your very awful sounding tea!!! I actually do like green tea but the additions sound unpleasant. I will certainly try it. I am glad you said it took a month to see effects so I don't get impatient.

I do not have arthritis of the foot but have had bouts of Plantar Fasciitis. It may also be that juicing up your fascia will help some with the pain. I swear by MELT Method foot and hand kit and the developer, Sue Hitzman says it rehydrates your fascia. I do have some foot pain off and on (today, lol) and will use the balls tonight.

I take 1 set of them with me on vacation and roll my feet every night as my walking is always increased on trips. If I wake up with achiness I also roll in the morning right after I drink a glass of water.

I'm not sure if you can get them before you leave and also have time to watch the instructional videos. Do it a few times with the instructionals (which take forever) and then do it on your own. I've got it down to about 6 minutes for both feet which is way quicker than she does it but it is still effective.

https://meltmethod.com/products/hand-and-foot-therapy-balls

I've also been doing a myofascial release workout for feet/ankles/calves but I'm a subscriber to that instructor's channel and it's behind a paywall. I just looked and there are a bunch of myofascial release for feet videos on youtube. It shouldn't hurt to do them and it may help with your pain if that is of interest to you.

It seems like "fascia" is the hot topic everywhere these days, especially in the yoga and exercise world.

I hope you find something that will help your pain!

I have arthritis of the knee and will need a knee replacement. I had a shot before my last cruise and it did not work. It never occurred to me that It would not work and I was in terrible pain my whole cruise.

I have tried Voltaren and it helped. However it takes several days before it kicks in and then you are not supposed to use it longer than 3 weeks. When I go on my next cruise, I plan on taking one unopened tube of Voltaren with me. I will begin to treat my knee about three days before I leave for my cruise with an opened Voltaren which I will leave home. Then use the unopened Voltaren when I arrive in Europe.

It is powerful. It is a NSAID that seeps into your skin.

I have many foot problems and wear Chaco Sandals.

just don't think it will be warm enough in England in May

You may be right... I'll let you know, I'm headed there on Monday! I'll use them mostly in hotels. They may not see outdoors.

Hold off buying Voltaren. It is available in the UK where it is called Voltarol. You can get a slightly stronger strength (2.32%) than you can get in the US. You can find it at pharmacies and supermarkets. It's over the counter in the UK. In fact, I'm holding a tube of it in my hands that I picked up at Boots last month.It comes in a 30g tube.

If you prefer Alleve, take more than you think you'll need. Naproxen Sodium, the main ingredient in Alleve, is only available by prescription in the UK.

However, Paracetamol (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen are dirt cheap.

Beth, Covid epidemic cured my feet, because I only wore birkenstocks and haflinger slippers, because, we really didn't go anywhere for a long time, so I wasn't wearing footwear that wasn't helpful. It was the birks and the slipper's stiff soles and suport that were curative.

Voltarin can definitely raise blood pressure as I can personally attest to. My cardiologist told me that the impact on BP is very individualistic. Usually not a problem but not uncommon either. I had to quit using it with the advice that if I really needed it it was OK for a couple of days.

Shoes! keep trying! Whatever works for one person may cripple the next one. Your foot is unique to you.

Cortisone shots are also individualistic. Sometimes it's magic and sometimes no effect. Ask your doctor. Probably worth a try if she recommends it,

Best of luck and enjoy your trip!

Bostonphil, ask your MD about the Voltaren. Though I no longer use it because of my "tea", I asked mine about using it longer than 3 weeks and he said it was fine (for me!) and that it is a common warning on labels of meds of any type.

Frank II, I think that is the strength I got in Portugal. I did look and ask for it in France, and was told they didn't sell that strength in France. I'd be interested in knowing in what countries it is available in. For some reason, I thought there'd be consistency between EU countries.

OP take a look at the Keen brand of shoes. Cured my plantar fasciitis. I own 8 pairs; sandals, slip ons and lace ups. Costly but IMHO worth every cent.
Over the years different pairs have been worn in London, Havana, Yosemite, Santa Fe, San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Miami, Seattle, Belfast and Dublin

https://www.keenfootwear.com/collections/womens?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_xxxxxx_os_hd_xxxx_x_x_br_l_19739360040&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqubo5auGhgMVLhWtBh1fDwBzEAAYASAAEgJTMvD_BwE

Good Luck

I had plantar fasciitis years ago and had to stop going barefoot or wearing Birkenstocks because the soles are too hard. Softer soled shoes worked. Always interested in new shoes, the sneakers you mentioned looked good.

But they appear to have no ankle support. Having good lace-up ankle height boots helped my feet back then and continued to do so after the foot issues were replaced by knee ones. They've kept me from tripping and falling many times, yes, even in urban London, too. My go-to brand is KEEN, but there are many others that work. I have the lightest weight mesh waterproof ones they have in 3 different colors.

Probably too late for you now, but this is a link to a good picture of my blue favorites. I got them new on sale from Amazon which no longer has that color, but has many other mid-height styles. I only wear full length pants on trips, so just the toes of these show and make my size 10 feet look small. ;-)

You might also look at Sockwell compression socks. This link is to one of the many patterns and colors I've collected over the years. Note the compression level, height and my ML size. These socks really help to keep my feet comfortable and dry while providing fatigue-fighting support. From the link you can explore their website further. I've bought Sockwells from there and from Amazon. They're not cheap anywhere unless you luck on a sale. You'd likely get them faster from Amazon, as with the boots above if you're interested.

I still have bad arthritic knees, but after an injury last May and at my age (now 78), by the time the surgeon saw me, he said the little fracture was healed and recommended no surgery, but rather cortisone shots, braces and physical therapy.

For years I got shots only before trips. I can't take Aleve or Tylenol due to liver disease. One orthopedist recommended Voltaren. When I got the smallest size OTC, l found out that it could also harm my liver. Now I get cortisone shots every 3 months. Yesterday was my 3rd set and my knees are very happy. Keeping up with the PT for my feet years ago really helped as it is now doing for my knees, both at the gym and at home.

Full disclosure: I use lots of above and underground transport in London. A taxi is easier from any train station to your apartment with your luggage upon arrival.

Dear Beth- Please consider having a cortisone shot by an orthopedic doctor. I had to have 2 under fluoroscopy(Continuous X-ray for placement of shot). I have had arthritic pain in my right foot for years and I am pleased to say that I have no pain in my right foot for the past few weeks.

Dear Beth- Please consider having a cortisone shot by an orthopedic doctor. I had to have 2 under fluoroscopy(Continuous X-ray for placement of shot). I have had arthritic pain in my right foot for years and I am pleased to say that I have no pain in my right foot for the past few weeks. I know all feet are different. I also use an prescribed orthodic made for me in my main shoes.

He told me the ONLY shoes he ever wears are New Balance.

Funny. My podiatrist told me the ONLY shoes he wears are Hoka. They don't fit me; cut into my ankle. It just proves that everyone's feet are different. You have to buy and wear the shoes that fit YOU best.

After three neuroma surgeries, a broken foot, partially torn tendon and seed corns, plus arthritis, I'm glad I have a very good podiatrist.

I’ll refrain from commenting on a husband who would think it’s a good idea to make his wife with arthritis in her feet pull her suitcase for 2 miles in London.

I will say we just got back from Paris where my husband managed to get very painful gout in his foot. It was very debilitating and we had to spend a couple of days before meds kicked in (now we know too much about the French medical system) taking taxis that we otherwise wouldn’t have used. And we were a little more organized and specific with where we walked. But we soldiered on. Just maybe consider transportation alternatives to walking in certain circumstances so you can enjoy the times you are walking distances.

I think the differing recommendations on shoes illustrates why a diagnosis and recommendations for your specific condition is so important. (I do understand that OP has one) For my feet, soft soles (ones that really bend) are terrible. I recall taking my daughter to an orthopedist for her ankle and he took her shoe and folded it in half and said it had poor support it was the worst possible shoe for her for her sport. The more a shoe flexes the more your foot will flex, whether that is good or bad depends on the anatomy of a specific foot.

And people likely need to experiment with heat or cold or both and decide what works best. For people that need cold, I think what I use came from the forum. I bring washclothes and ziplocks on trips and freeze them, either using a refrigerator in our room, or asking the host to do it.

Obviously, foot problems are very common for world travelers. My wife has severe arthritis (everywhere), and she has had mid foot fusion where they used screws and plates to fuse the top of her foot. Her surgery was the maximum amount of surgery that could be done.

She wears custom orthotics and the Allegria brand of shoes. Allegria's are re a solid bottom rocker type of shoe worn by most nurses and others in the medical world. Our Belk's has a complete Allegria department in ladies' shoes.

My wife has had good results out of a cortisone shot at the base of her ankle, however it's just a 4-6 week "fix." We're going to Alaska on a cruise in 2 weeks, and she's got to have foot surgery upon our return.

Everyone's right about using Volteran gel on anything that hurts. But my wife also uses Lydocaine 4% lotion too--and a lot of it.

We continue to travel extensively, however she has to use a FFA approved folding electric personal scooter go get through airports. And with a 10 mile range, she rides her scooter all over the place. We're not ready to cancel our travels.

We have adapted by staying in more modern hotels with good elevators. And we also will take more taxi's rather than catching subways/undergrounds with steps to climb. Ocean cruises are often taken in the middle of our 2 week travels. She rides her scooter all over cruise ships without any problem. Good luck with your travels.

Pam- I actually do have the Melt kit for the foot and hand. I bought it when I didn't know what was wrong and saw your recommendation. I am going to PM you with some questions, if you don't mind.

bostonphil7-sounds like you have figured out what works for you. Hopefully, it will be a painfree trip this time! Your experience with cortisone suggests it is important to have backup plans,

Frank ii-thanks for the information on purchasing Voltarin in England.

Claudia-I actually own a pair of Keens--hiking boots which are very heavy. The problem for me is that few of the Keens come in wide which I need. I at a point in life that expensive shoes are a fact of life.

Lo-I now need firm soles for a couple different foot problems. I am not so concerned with ankle support for London but we have trip planned for Portugal where it will be more of an issue. The keens I have are high top hiking boots that I wear walking with my dog but they are very heavy. I would not want to take them to Europe. I like the ones you wear but I have wide feet and they don't come in wide.
I actually have two pairs of compression socks. One pair are knee highs that I wear on the plane. I also bought a pair of ankle height ones when I saw online someone say they helped their tendinitis in their feet. I thought maybe that was my problem at that point and bought them. They do seem to help but I can't seem to wear them all day as they push my toes together and them I get hot spots between them. The knee high ones do not have as much compression so maybe I will try them when not on the plane.

If there are taxis waiting at train station, I will try one. I have never taken a black cab in London so it will be a very London experience!

ifgorman-I am going to look into cortisone shot but not sure will do before this trip, since coming up quickly.

KD-I think my husband just doesn't yet think of me as having a problem. The diagnosis is recent. He didn't argue when I said it wasn't a good idea. But I have been researching transportation options in London in particular. And yes,I am thinking will have to be deliberate about where I walk, like you describe.

David-the orthopedist I saw described the surgery your wife had. It doesn't seem like a magic bullet I thought it might be. I know I have some other arthritis but so far nothing else bothers me. I admire how the two of you have adapted.

jules-I am going to send you a PM about your tea concoction

There are footless compression socks, they are like tubes. I used them for a while and now have switched to knee high socks. I got both off Amazon. I know what you mean about the socks squishing your toes together. Sometimes I pull on the toe part so it is baggier at the toe. This could be a discussion on its own, but I take my shoes off for long flights. I make sure my socks are clean and my shoes "fresh smelling". (Yes, I put my shoes on when I use the rest room)

I have arthritis in my feet. I use these, toeless, ankle high socks Amazon link

They state they are for PF, but they help my feet a lot. They feel like a firm hug. I wear them under socks when I am wearing my Oofos shoes and without additional socks when I wear my Keen H2 sandals.

Vandrabud-the socks look like worth a try. Thanks for sharing.

Rebecca-as I said, above, I have seen a podiatrist. Mine recommended Hookas which only made my feet worst. She gave me alternative brands to try and Brooks was one of them. I just got a new pair of Kurus yesterday but I may make a trip to Brooks too. I am past the point of caring how much money I spend!

I still recommend trying New Balance shoes.

What do you have to lose? Take them back/do a return if they don't work for you.

I do not recommend Brooks shoes and have never recommended them on this forum. They never worked for me.
New Balance is the one I recommend.

I hope something works for you and that you are able to enjoy your trip to London.
My heart goes out to you, walking around London with arthritis in your feet.
Perhaps you'll be able to take rest breaks and sit for a while from time to time. Standing in the museums for hours can cause foot pain.
Taking breaks to sit in the lunchroom/cafe and have a sandwich or cup of tea with cake can give your feet a rest.

If you are going to the Tower of London, after seeing most of it, take advantage of the benches they have all around the green areas. Sit for a while and let the feet rest and do some people-watching. That's a good place to sit to get a good long look at the White Tower and surrounding buildings.

Have a good trip!

Whether you get Hoka, Brooks or New Balance, I would not be bringing shoes on a trip that I haven't worn or tried for a month, at least. I've had shoes that felt great in a store,felt great wearing them around the house, felt great for a work out or two and were miserable walking around for any extended time period. At the very least, have a couple back up pairs of tried and true, which, of course, takes up more room in luggage than many have room for.

I, like many on the forum that have foot issues, have tried many, many brands. Hoka, New Balance, Nike, Asics, etc., finally, I have a shoes that work and that I continue to buy which are Brooks. And while the Brooks work great for me, I wouldn't think they necessarily work for everyone else since we all have different feet.

Just because I don't think anybody mentioned the brand of shoes that finally worked for me: I now wear men's wide Altra Zero Drop shoes. They are foot-shaped (i.e. not pushing my big toes towards my other toes) and have no heel at all and very little padding. Plus some orthotics that were NOT made from a mold created by my standing on a crushable foam pad (the usual "custom" which never helped me one bit), but from a mold made using digital 3-D photos of my feet. I spent the last seven days walking on concrete floors all day long, one day even for 13 hours, and my feet feel OK.

I hope you find relief and have a great trip!

Hi Beth- You've gotten lots of good advice here. I don't have much to add other than echo compression socks for the plane, think about a compression brace for walking (they take up very little room and are inexpensive on Amazon), good walking shoes, and heat when you need it. Ice is helpful for some injuries/ issues but is bad for arthritis. If it's rainy in England, you may flare up a bit more than usual- that can happen.

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a very young child and have lived with it for over 40 year. I have it in both ankles and one is end-stage. I'm looking at an ankle replacement in the next few years. My husband and I have lived overseas for 10 years and travel regularly because our work schedules allow us to do so easily. As my ankle has gotten worse, I've had to adapt- I can't do much in the way of hiking anymore (or I wear my walking boot), and we don't walk miles a day. But we've still had great trips and enjoy traveling.

I like my Hokas (my orthopedic surgeon recommended them and I wear the Mach 5s) and Teva Olowaus for flip-flops. You want something with a cushion. Stay away from Birkenstocks, etc. Enjoy your travels!

One thing I forgot to mention about Voltarol.

They suggest applying the regular strength four times a day. The maximum strength (2.33%) twice a day.

jules- the problem for me is I don't have two pairs of broken in walking shoes that I know will work. I have been wearing a new pair of the same Taos I have been wearing. Tension here between wearing pair almost a year old that I know I can walk in and new ones. I got grief last year from podiatrist for not replacing my shoes soon enough so certainly a balancing act. I actually have three times brought new shoes to Europe and it all worked out fine. But your words of caution are good to keep in mind.

nancys8-I actually tried Altra Zero Drop shoes a few years ago and couldn't get them to fit right. Regulars were too tight but wides I could swim in!

Coffee Girl-I tried Hookas and they made my feet worse. I seem to need a firm sole. After Lola suggested heat, I looked it up for arthritis. I had only used ice. It seems that both can help but for different reasons. Ice is better for end of day for inflammation while heat seems to loosen stiff joints. I tried the heat and it did help some and more pleasant than ice!
I did want to tell you that my cousin had a ankle replacement due to an old injury that never healed right and it was life changing for him. He now can do all the things he wasn't able to do for years. So seems like it could be a very successful intervention.

Frank II thanks for the dosing information!

For safety reasons, just some clarity, the stronger strength of Voltaren that I found in Portugal under the brand name Voltaren and also available in generic is twice the strength and can only be applied twice a day.