Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system malfunctions, and attacks healthy joints. Specifically, it causes inflammation of the lining of the joints, mostly in the hands and feet. This can lead to damage to cartilages, and bones in the long term. Often, the joints, and surrounding soft tissues are swollen from the inflammation. In terms of symptoms, the joints become stiff or dislocated. Other presentations associated with rheumatoid arthritis include hammertoe deformities, bunions, heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, or flatfoot ankle pain.
Diagnosis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination, and blood test. To further assess the extent of the joint damage, X-ray may be ordered.
Treatment:
For systemic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, patients are prescribed medication by the primary care doctor, or rheumatologist. For foot specific treatments, your physician may include the following treatment options.
When conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, surgery might be
warranted. There are selected procedures for different types of rheumatoid arthritis induced deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system malfunctions, and attacks healthy joints. Specifically, it causes inflammation of the lining of the joints, mostly in the hands and feet. This can lead to damage to cartilages, and bones in the long term. Often, the joints, and surrounding soft tissues are swollen from the inflammation. In terms of symptoms, the joints become stiff or dislocated. Other presentations associated with rheumatoid arthritis include hammertoe deformities, bunions, heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, or flatfoot ankle pain.
Diagnosis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination, and blood test. To further assess the extent of the joint damage, X-ray may be ordered.
Treatment:
For systemic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, patients are prescribed medication by the primary care doctor, or rheumatologist. For foot specific treatments, your physician may include the following treatment options.
- Orthotic devices. The surgeon often fits the patient with custom orthotic devices to provide cushioning for rheumatoid nodules, minimize pain when walking and give needed support to improve the foot’s mechanics.
- Accommodative shoes. These are used to relieve pressure and pain and to assist with walking.
- Aspiration of fluid. When inflammation flares up in a joint, the surgeon may aspirate (draw out) fluid to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Steroid injections. Injections of anti-inflammatory medication may be applied directly to an inflamed joint or to a rheumatoid nodule.
When conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, surgery might be
warranted. There are selected procedures for different types of rheumatoid arthritis induced deformities.