How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect the Feet
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and debilitating autoimmune disease that grows worse with age. It is caused by an inflammation of the capsule around a joint, particularly in the hands and feet. Women are more likely to have RA than men. Other risk factors include being between 40 and 50 years old, being a smoker, and genetic factors. Among the most common symptoms of RA are painful, swollen, and warm joints of the feet. These joints are often stiff upon awakening or after long periods of activity. As the disease progresses, the joints may erode, leading to joint damage and deformity. While there is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it can be managed through medication, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and certain immunosuppressants. It has been shown that eating particular foods can help to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish and other seafood that is packed with omega-3 fats are recommended. Avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats and sugar is also thought to be helpful. For more information on treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, please consult a chiropodist.
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 The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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 office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
