Rheumatoid Foot: Identifying Symptoms, Understanding Causes and Treatments
Reading time 3 minutes
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects various joints. The rheumatologist diagnoses this condition with the help of different blood markers. It is a disease that causes inflammatory arthritis that can be potentially destructive and deforming.
The management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is also carried out by the rheumatologist. This may involve simple monitoring; however, rheumatoid arthritis can require medical treatment to limit the risk of inflammatory flare-ups, inflammatory arthritis, and thus potential deformity of the ankle and foot.
Since the advent of biotherapies, it has become increasingly rare to see significant deformities, especially in the hands and feet. Some deformities, in the ankle and feet, will require surgical treatment.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the ankle and foot.
Warning signs
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can begin subtly. You might experience morning joint stiffness, which usually eases as the day goes on. A feeling of fatigue or general malaise can also be early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Progression of symptoms
Over time, these symptoms may worsen and become more specific. Joint pain and swelling may become more pronounced, especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking. The joints in the feet may become tender to the touch and warm. You may also notice foot deformity, due to joint inflammation. It is important to note that the progression of symptoms can vary from person to person.
The condition progresses in inflammatory flare-ups during which pain, joint swelling, and mechanical stiffness episodes are intensified.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can be influenced by various factors.
Genetic factors
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis can be partly genetic. Some people may be predisposed to this disease because of their genetic heritage. However, it is important to note that the presence of these genetic factors does not guarantee the onset of the disease.
Environmental factors
On the other hand, the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis also include environmental elements. An unbalanced diet, smoking, or exposure to certain pollutants can contribute to the development of this disease.
Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis
Medical treatment
The use of medication is a common approach to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, are frequently used to reduce inflammation and pain.
In cases of progressive polyarthritis, maintenance treatment may be initiated by a rheumatologist. Taking this long-term treatment helps to reduce the inflammatory state and limit the risk of joint damage and deformity.
These treatments must be initiated and monitored by a rheumatologist.
Alternative therapies
Although it is an inflammatory condition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis may require rehabilitation care and physiotherapy.
Surgery
Surgical treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is very specific. Some forms can result in destructive inflammatory arthritis in the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot. There may be spontaneous joint fusion phenomena, as seen in fusing tarsitis.
The surgical treatment of deforming lesions in the forefoot depends on tissue quality. Tissue quality varies greatly; tissues can be very flexible and offer no mechanical resistance. Conversely, they can be particularly rigid and difficult to work with for correcting deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a medical condition; it is a chronic inflammatory rheumatism that requires regular follow-up by a rheumatologist. Certain joint lesions and some deformities require surgical treatment. From hallux valgus to flatfoot, including stress fractures, we specialize in the management of ankle conditions and foot disorders, so don't hesitate to call on us !