Stiff, sore feet - menopause or something else?

[TheWhompingWilly]

Well into the menopause - I'm 51, have hot flushes, no period for 18 months, etc. I get very stiff feet and ankles first thing in the morning and when I've been sitting a while. Once I've been walking for a while, they ease up and I can walk normally without pain but, initially, I'm hobbling around like an old lady. Some mornings I can hardly get down the stairs. Menopause related or something else?

[Carolyn1964]

Many thanks borogrove. I've just ordered a liquid one so finger X. How long did it take before u noticed an improvement?

[PollyPerky]

This is the key part Carolyn

What are the risks of HRT for women with migraine?

There is no research based evidence to suggest that women who have migraine and are using HRT have an increased risk of having a stroke (ischemic CVA).

Most doctors recommend that you start HRT around the time of the menopause and take it only for a few years. It can have the benefit of reducing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

[Borogoves]

It took about three months before I started to feel better Carolyn. My GP told me I would need take the supplement indefinitely. Now I'm feeling better I sometimes forget to take it for a while. I remember when the aches and pains come back again, start taking it and within a week or so I feel back to normal.

[Carolyn1964]

How long did it take to see an improvement? I've ordered a liquid vitamin D so fingers X!!!

[Carolyn1964]

Sorry my phone didn't show the message had been posted for some reason!!! Thanks for your reply

[PollyPerky]

Aches and pains during peri and post menopause are usually to do with loss of oestrogen. Collagen declines without oestrogen and collagen forms the connective tissue between muscles and joints. As far as I know, there is no connection between aching joints and Vit D. Bones need Vit D for strength but lack of Vit D doesn't cause bone pain. In fact one of the most dangerous things about osteoporosis is it has no symptoms- it doesn't cause bone pain unless a bone breaks.

Fish oils- cod liver oil for example- are good for joint mobility . If you have joint pain and stiffness it's worth seeing your GP to ask if it's arthritis which can be just a normal part of ageing but exercise is important to stop it stiffening up further.

[Borogoves]

Vitamin D deficiency causes both joint and bone pain.

[PollyPerky]

Bones have no nerves. You cannot feel anything wrong with your bones unless you break it and then it's the surrounding tissues that are hurting.

This info from says that lack of vit D can cause 'general aches and pains' but that doesn't mean bone pain.

patient.info/health/vitamin-d-deficiency-including-osteomalacia-and-rickets-leaflet

The pain is likely to be coming from the tendons, cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Most pain around the joints in middle age is osteoarthritis. I have a painful wrist at times which is down to wear and tear and it's arthritic.

Yes, anyone short of Vit D should take supplements because it helps protect against infection and builds up the immune system, as well as enabling calcium to be absorbed.

[Borogoves]

I don't want to derail the thread Polly but can't let inaccuracies stand. Google vitamin D deficiency symptoms and you will see bone pain listed. Bones absolutely do contain nerves! Bone pain can be excruciating and as anyone who has suffered from, or has seen anyone suffering from, bone cancer can tell you it is is horribly painful.

[Esspee]

To get back to the OP's original question the symptoms point to plantar fasciitis. I suggest you see your doctor who can take it from there.

[TheWhompingWilly]

Some interesting thoughts. I really don't think it's plantar fasciitis as everything I've Googled says that is heel pain. Mine is ankle/top of foot - my heels are fine. However, appointment made to see GP on Monday to check for arthritis. If it is menopause related, I shall ask about HRT.

[Esspee]

Good luck with your doctor. If you have no idea about their personal views on HRT it is worthwhile reading the NICE guidelines which have recently been updated. Unfortunately there are some GPs who are prejudiced. If you can refer to NHS best practise guidelines you are more likely to get what you ask for. Make sure any HRT prescribed is transdermal (gel, patches or implants), do not take pills which are much higher in dose, most of which ends up in your liver.
You didn't specify that it is the top of your foot that is painful so I take back what I said about plantar fasciitis. Hope it is something reversible. Good luck!

[Sooverthis]

I've suffered with sore ankles and feet and the morning hobbling since my menopause entered full swing it's definitely not plantar fasciitis I've had that on and off for years it's totally different. I don't find carbs and sugar make much difference maybe ill try cutting out just one but no sugar means no alcohol

[mlricha]

In plantar fasciitis the pain is more in the heels. True, it does lessen with walking...or, to clarify, is worse when you first get up in the morning, or after sitting for awhile and the getting up to walk. Then , lessens once you’ve been up walking a bit.
This pain in the ball of the foot and arches, beginning about the time of menopause, does not seem to me to Be plantar fasciitis, but rather associated with menopause and the decreasing estrogen, increased weight in some cases can also increase this pain.

[Fazackerley]

@TheWhompingWilly

my foot pain disappeared after a month on hrt

I'd had it for years

I've been running and everything with no pain!! Sadly I've just tweaked a tendon on the top of my foot probably due to overuse, but all the heel and ankle pain has disappeared. I know it isn't the placebo effect as I wasn't expecting it to make any difference at all ( i got hrt for hot flushes).