Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining tissue, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. Many people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis develop symptoms of this condition in their feet. This usually presents as pain or stiffness in the toe joints and ligaments throughout the foot. Additional symptoms include persistent aching of the feet, abnormal warmth in one or more parts of the foot, and swelling in toe joints or ankles. Lumps or nodules can form on the heel, Achilles tendon, or ball of the foot. If left untreated, claw toes or hammertoes can develop. Over time, mobility in the feet can be affected. There can also be long term joint destruction. This happens when bone, cartilage, and other joint tissue breaks down and can make the foot joints weaker and extremely painful to use. A change in the shape of the foot might also be noticed. With this disease, there are often flareups followed by periods where symptoms are absent or less noticeable. Aging may exacerbate this condition. Given how debilitating RA can become, it is important to include a chiropodist among the health care professionals you regularly visit. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

If you have RA, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.