Rheumatoid foot

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease that affects the joints and connective tissue. RA is characterised by inflammation, which results in swollen, stiff and painful joints, particularly the joint of the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. Most people with RA will eventually develop symptoms in the feet, typically it starts in the small joints of the toes/front of the foot and works its way back, it is often symmetrical on both feet.

What causes RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; this means that the body attacks itself. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis the immune system, which usually destroys bacteria and viruses, destroys the tissue that lines the joints, resulting in pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The cause is mainly unknown and may be contributed to genetic and environmental factors.

What is known is that certain factors may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and these include:

• Those who smoke
• Coffee drinkers
• Women over 30
• Excessive red meat consumption

How can rheumatoid arthritis affect the feet?

Foot problems are common among those living with rheumatoid arthritis, in fact, around 90% of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will eventually develop a foot problem that is associated with their condition. Foot problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Stiffness in joints
• Inflammation of the joints
• Walking difficulties
• Changes in foot shape
• Corns and callus
• Bursitis
• Ulceration
• Difficulty finding footwear

What are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

As RA is a systemic condition it effects the entire body, not just the feet, and many different symptoms can present as a result. Often pain in the small joints of the hands/feet is one of the first symptoms that may be picked up by a healthcare professional and indicate for them to conduct further investigations into a possible diagnosis of RA. General symptoms include, anaemia, fatigue, night sweats and general flu like symptoms. Pain within the joints typically initially manifests in the hands and/or feet in the small joints of the fingers/toes and is often symmetrical in both. RA can manifest and cause inflammation in other parts of the body such as the lungs and blood vessels but this is less common.

Benefits of podiatry for a person with rheumatoid arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is essential to see a podiatrist. The following benefits can be achieved with podiatric intervention:

• Reduction in foot related pain
• Maintain or improve foot function
• Maintain or improve mobility
• Improved skin condition
• Maintaining comfort when walking

What would podiatry for my rheumatoid arthritis involve?

An initial consultation would begin with an assessment. During the assessment topics such as medical history, medication, and your foot symptoms will be discussed. The podiatrist will ask you what you would like to achieve, they will then examine the foot and formulate a treatment plan. Treatment will be mutually agreed, and the podiatrist will inform you of what can be achieved.

This may include:

• General podiatry; skin/nail care treatments
• Advice and education
• Orthoses
• Silipos/padding/strapping
• Footwear review

If you have a problem with your foot or lower limb, and you are unsure whether or not podiatry can help you, then why not contact us. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment then please email us at office@liverpool-podiatry.co.uk or call us on 0151 558 0099.