Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition where your immune system attacks your joint lining tissue, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. Nearly 1.3 million people in the United States have some form of RA.
Foot problems caused by RA commonly occur in the forefoot, although they can also affect other areas of the foot and ankle. The most common signs and symptoms of RA-related foot problems, in addition to the abnormal appearance of deformities, are pain, swelling, joint stiffness and difficulty walking.
Deformities and conditions associated with RA may include:
Over time, these symptoms can cause your foot to become increasingly painful and difficult to use. One of the long-term symptoms is known as joint destruction. This happens when the bone, cartilage, and other joint tissue breaks down. This can make your foot joints weaker and extremely painful to use, and you may notice a change in your foot shape as a result.
As you age, flare-ups may become more severe and periods of remissions shorter, but your experience may differ based on what treatments you receive, how often you’re on your feet, and your overall health.
We will develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving the pain of RA-related foot problems.
The plan may include one or more of the following options: