RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE FEET
posted: Aug. 28, 2019.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis which causes inflammation and stiffness within the joints. There are many types of arthritis' including: osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondyliitis and much more. It is important to be assessed by your GP in order to discover the type of arthritis you have and the best ways to manage it.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects many joints including those of the hands, wrists, knees, ankles and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks in a bilateral and symmetrical fashion meaning if your big toe joint is affected in one foot the chances of the other big toe joint being affected is very high. Rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by wear and tear unlike osteoarthritis (a non inflammatory arthritis). Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune response in which the immune system attacks itself thus causing inflammation and destruction of the cartilage lining a joint.
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in order to treat it as early as possible. If you ever find that your joints in your foot are inflamed, irritated and swollen it is important to see a Chiropodist who can help manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A Chiropodist may manage rheumatoid arthritis with insoles/orthotics, recommend specific footwear with a wider and deeper toe box and may even put padding or offloading material into the footwear. These conditions may also lead to ingrown toe nails, excessive callus or blisters which can also be managed by a Chiropodist. Contact us today if you or a loved one is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.
