Rheumatoid Arthritis and your feet

Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is a systemic disease in which your body’s immune system begins to attack some of its own tissues including the cartilage in your joints. It affects about 3 million people in the United States. The disease is seen three times more often in women than men, but it tends to affect all ethnic groups equally.
While RA can lead to weight loss (in this case, NOT a good thing!) and a mild fever, the hallmark feature is a persistent inflammation in the joints of both hands and both feet. Some of the earliest signs include morning stiffness which can last for over an hour, joint swelling, and energy loss. A generalized, overall feeling of discomfort is also pretty common.
RA can have a huge impact on your feet and quality of life. The severity of the disease may fluctuate, but over time, it may lead to various degrees of joint destruction, deformity, and a decrease in functional status. These changes are brought about by the ability of the disease to cause permanent damage to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. This in turn can cause biomechanical problems leading to bunions, hammertoes, nerve and blood vessel damage, and other issues. Raynaud’s phenomenon-in which blood flow is diminished in response to temperature changes or emotional stress-has also been noted.
Your podiatrist, in conjunction with your rheumatologist, should play a critical role in managing the health of your feet if you develop RA. Periodic assessments can be made to monitor the progression of the disease and prevent long-term complications. Conservative measures such as orthotics or pharmacologic treatments can be administered when needed. Additionally, surgical intervention is available to correct structural abnormalities associated with the disease. As an example, 20-35% of RA patients will develop “rheumatoid nodules” which are subcutaneous swellings commonly found near the Achilles tendon or sole of the foot. If these become painful or noticeable, your podiatrist can intervene surgically to remove them and eliminate the symptoms.
By taking a proactive approach and discussing your condition with your podiatrist, you can minimize the effects of RA on your feet, and maximize your overall health.

Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://www.yourfeetfixer.com