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If you thought that rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic disease of the bones, causes inflammation of the joints of only the wrist and hands, then you are wrong. Not many people know that RA can affect the foot too, which leads to deformities in the joints of the toes. In reality, more than 90% of people with RA develop symptoms in the foot and ankle over the course of the disease. The swelling can be severe enough to affect the appearance of joints and hinder the day-to-day function. To help you out, our expert Dr Pradeep Monoot, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Knee, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fortis SL Raheja Hospital, Mumbai explains how RA affects the foot and ankle.
Ankle: If rheumatoid arthritis affects the ankle, then you might experience difficulty with inclines (ramps) and stairs as the ankle movement is hindered. Moreover, walking and standing can become painful over time as the disease progresses if not treated.
Hindfoot (Heel Region of the Foot): The hindfoot is responsible for the side-to-side motion of the foot. Hence, any inflammation in this region manifests as difficulty in walking on uneven surfaces like grass or gravel. In addition to this, severe pain in the hindfoot is also a common symptom of RA. With time it further affects the alignment of the foot which causes the bones to shift or move out of the normal position leading to flatfoot deformity. Read more on warning signs differentiating arthritis from usual joint pain.
Midfoot (Top of the Foot): RA also affects the ligaments present in the midfoot region which provide support to the midfoot. As the ligaments become weak, the arch collapses, which causes the front of the foot to point outward. Moreover, it also damages the cartilage, which leads to severe arthritic pain with or without shoes. And if not attended on time, it can also change the shape of the foot.
Forefoot (Toes and Ball of the Foot): The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis of the forefoot are very unique. These include claw toes, bunions and pain under the ball of the foot. Hence, instead of ignoring these symptoms, consult an orthopaedic surgeon to get it treated.
RA may cause deformities in the joints of the toes and foot, making movement difficult but if detected early can provide relief. The treatment during the initial stage includes medications, splints, physiotherapy and appropriate shoe wear. However, during an advanced stage, it may require a surgery. You may get temporary relief through injections but it varies on the severity of the condition. Keep in mind that only an experienced foot and ankle surgeon can identify the affected area in feet for RA. Hence, it is advisable to consult a specialist to get the best outcome. Also read about 5 yoga poses to relieve rheumatoid arthritis
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