Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease, in which the problem of swelling and burning in the joints occurs.
This inflammation and burning sensation can be so great that it also affects the functioning and external appearance of hands and other body parts.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the feet and can distort the joints of the toes. In fact, 90% of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have symptoms of disease in their feet and ankles.
General symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis affects most arms, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. In this disease, inflammation may be irritable in the same part on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms can be seen suddenly or slowly over time.
The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the deformity of the feet and hands. In about 20 percent of the patients, the first symptom is seen in the feet and ankles.
Although symptoms may vary in every person, such as pain stiffness, especially in the morning, swelling in the joints, decreasing mobility, that is, such pain which increases with the movements of the joints, resembling an enlargement or lump on small joints. Feeling tired, having trouble doing daily work such as tying shoes, opening a jar’s lid, or closing shirt buttons.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the foot and ankle
- Ankle
Having difficulty in climbing ramps or stairs is the first symptom of an ankle problem. As the disease progresses, it can also be difficult to walk normally and stand up.
- Part of the heel in the foot (Hindfoot)
The main work of this part is to maintain the side-to-side mobility of the foot. Difficulty walking or walking in uneven ground, grass, or gravel is a common symptom of it.
As the disease grows, the alignment of the legs can worsen. Since the bones go out of their normal condition, this can lead to deformity like flatfoot.
- The upper part of the leg (Midfoot)
Because of rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments that help the upper part of the leg become weak and its arch ends.
The end of the arch has an impact on the soles and the front foot of the foot point goes out. Cartilage present from rheumatoid arthritis is also damaged and it hurts. This pain can be both in wearing shoes or not wearing shoes.
The shape of the legs can also change over time. Due to affecting the arch, fingers can swell.
- Peak Paws and Ball (Forfute)
The change that comes in the front part of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, is obvious. It can cause problems like bunions, claws, and pain in the legs.
- Joint Fusion Surgery
In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, surgery remains the last option. Especially when medicines, physiotherapy, etc. do the treatment.
- Important to know
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex disease that causes swelling and irritation in the joints.
Due to rheumatoid arthritis, fingers can cause deformity in the joints and it can be difficult for them to move.
In this disease of arthritis, most of the hands, wrists, legs, ankles, knees, shoulders, and the joint of the elbows are affected.
In the initial stage, medicines, coughing, physiotherapy, wearing the correct shoes are treated. But surgery can be needed in a critical condition. Even injections can get temporary comfort.