<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Good morning to all, I thank you all for an overwhelming number of responses regarding foot problems which may, or may not be, experienced by Celiacs. A great many of us seem to have foot trouble, regardless of age, while some stated that they felt it could be attributed to aging, athritis, connective tissue disease, and other causes. I did hear from some who had children who are celiac and have already developed foot problems, ranging form Plantar Faciatis to heel spurs to phantom pain. Some offered very dramatic treatment options, while others said that I should get fitted for orthodics. Others offered up exercise routines which helped them. In seeing a foot specialist, I learned that my problem is not from osteoporosity, heel spurs, or arthritis. I already do many foot exercises and am not overweight. Part of the trouble is just from aging and my foot constantly having to transfer weight from the heel to the ball over time, while the arch is not supported well enough. I have high arches which are starting to come down. I spend a good deal of time in bare feet, and sometimes on cold floors. This has exacerbated the problem. I am going to get fitted for some moderately priced orthodics, as my doctor feels that some of the more costly ones are a scam, and not really necessary if I just use a little caution and common sense, along with regular foot exercises, icing my feet after I use them for long walks, exercise and other activity. He also says that sometimes just taking an Advil is enough. I opted not to take a cortisone shot, as I do not like the possible action of such drugs, unless I get to a point of desperation. As to whether or not this is a Celiac problem. It seems that the few doctors I've spoken with, both osteopaths and podiatric surgeons, told me that they do see a good deal of foot trouble in Celiac patients--particularly when they are overweight or have osteoporosis. They have never noticed if the incidence is higher in those patients than the general population. I believe that it is highly individual and that each of us have a different disease profile. I know that I tend to get the results of an accidental gluten ingestion showing up on my skin within days; sometimes with no noticeable intestinal disturbance. I am herein copying some of the many responses I've received. They were all highly informative, but these are the ones which I feel might provide some help for some of us who are experiencing such problems: You could have an autoimmune problem that is causing arthritic symptoms. I've had this before, but it was from running. the best 'cure' is to rest it, and also, it helps to stretch your foot before getting out of bed. Stand with your heels together, and toes out, and lean forward. This also is a stretch. I've had this before, but it was from running. the best 'cure' is to rest it, and also, it helps to stretch your foot before getting out of bed. Stand with your heels together, and toes out, and lean forward. This also is a stretch. I had to stop exercising completely - even the foot therapy I was sent to made it worse. If the shoes I was wearing didn't have good arch support, I'd insert those Dr. Scholls inserts. My Therapy: Stim Machine, Ultra sound, muscle massage, Ice, Tape my feet, Freeze a 2 liter bottle of soda (filled with water of course)...and roll my feet back & forth on it. The foot physical therapist (same place) said in my right foot I have a high arc - which causes the plantars -- my big toe is dropped; forefoot problem...so my toes are not aligned properly. My left foot...no plantars - had like a bursitis in the heal. He did heavey duty foot massage, really working the entire foot (both). What we were doing already was the best thing. Needed to add stretching exercises - Toes stand on edge of step, then drop heal down - stop when pain begins...hold for 30 seconds - 10 reps - 3 times. If you have a triangle like wedge, keep heals on the floor and rest of feet on an upward incline...lean forward - feel the stretch in the calf muscle down to heal. Same # of times as other exercise. Only as much as you can with stand. As much as possible, roll on the soda bottle of ice. I was also given a brace that I put my foot in - strap it down - tighten it...What it does is stretch/push my foot back/up towards my shin. It can be uncomfortable...and I had to do 1 foot at a time, and leave it in the brace for 2-3 hours then switch. That REALLY helped alot!!! The only thing that's really made my feet nearly pain-free has been visiting a chiropractor! Under a chiropractor's care, I haven't had my feet ache in several months! It used to be I could forecast the weather because of how my feet would ache. You might want to try to find one, but you've got to find a chiropractor that works with extremities (most don't) and preferably practices A.K. (Applied Kinesiology).I've never heard of a link with this and celiac. I seem to have gotten the celiac from my mom's side, but I have my dad's feet. He had similar problems when he was younger, but because I'm female (some doctors would say), the problems seem to have been exacerbated in me. He sort of outgrew them he says. Though, the ligament issues could be directly influenced by malabsorption problems. So, it's hard to say. I'd suspect that you'd have to be pre-disposed to the condition before the celiac would 'trigger' it in this case. MORE RESPONSES IN PART 2.......