Signs & Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Feb 3, 2023 | General Podiatry

Rheumatoid-Arthritis-of-the-feet

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints. This damage causes painful inflammation and stiffness to the area. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, progressive condition that can affect many parts of the body including organs and skin. 

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Symptoms of RA in the feet

Unlike Osteoarthritis, which commonly affects only a few joints, RA affects multiple joints and on both sides of the body. 

There are over thirty joints in one foot alone, making feet a prime target for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here are some of the common symptoms of RA of the feet;

  • Pain or stiffness in the toe joints 
  • Persistent aching or soreness in the feet
  • Swelling in your feet or ankles
  • Skin ulcers on your feet or ankles
  • Foot pain that gets worse over time
  • Losing range of motion in your foot or legs
  • Persistent, uncomfortable tingling or numbness in your feet.

Over time, these symptoms can cause your feet to become increasingly painful to walk on and difficult to use. 

Issues with RA in the Feet

There are many issues that can arise from Rheumatoid Arthritis in the feet, affecting a person’s lifestyle and daily habits. These can include:

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Managing Foot Pain

As the condition progresses, inflammation in the joints may result in weakened ligaments and cause instability and deformity of the joints. However, your Podiatrist can prescribe the following to help manage the symptoms:

Moreland Podiatry Rheumatoid Arthritis

For some people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the onset of foot pain is gradual. For others, it is immediate, although ensuring that you get the correct treatment to manage the symptoms is essential. 

For individualised advice on how to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis of the feet, feel free to contact the staff at Moreland Podiatry on (03) 9383 6633, or book online now for an appointment.