Rheumatoid arthritis foot condition affects 90 percent of the patients of arthritis
. The body turns hostile and starts producing substances which attack and swell the joints near the feet. Since it is an auto-immune disorder with no known cause and cure, awareness about the condition is imperative and is an integral part of the treatment process. This article tries to gain knowledge on arthritic feet.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot:
Swelling, stiffness and pain are the most common signs. The sole and ball of the feet are the other locations along with the multiple joints in the location affected with these signs. Bunions or corns develop in the region affecting the way patient’s walks. Warm joints, curling and stiffening of the are also observed. They are known as hammer toes or claw toes.
There will be shifting in the bone positions if hindfoot and ankle also get affected. The flatfoot collapses causing difficulty in walking and pain. Lumps around the elbow also develop. Secondary signs of the disease are fatigue, lose of appetite and feeling feverish.
When these symptoms appear in several joints or in the same joint on both feet, it indicates the presence of this disease. Blood test involves looking out for an indicator called the rheumatoid factor to confirm the disease. X-ray of the joints helps the doctor to asses the damage.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot:
Physical therapy exercises and medicines likes ibuprofen or aspirin help the patient to regain strength to walk and reduce pain. Steroid injections decrease the swelling. The progression of the disease is inhibited by medicines like prednisone, methotrexate, gold compounds and sulfasalazine. As the disease progresses, special shoes with deep toe box, rigid heel and soft arch support are required. Canes, crutches or a molded ankle-foot orthotic device are meant for treating severe cases.
A surgery called fusion or arthrodesis can reduce most of the conditions associated with this disease. But loosening of the devices implanted, infections and failure to heal are the most common risks associated with this option. Use of intravenous antibiotics or repeat surgery may also be required. Recovery time after surgery is also long. Though rare, severe complications after the surgery may call for amputation of the leg.
Help from family members and friends is required for carrying out daily life activities as the patient keeps his feet above the level of heart after the surgery, for several weeks. Weight of the body cannot be placed on the foot for several weeks. Special shoes should be worn or a cast should be used for couple of months. Three to four months may be required for resuming normal life.
