Painful RA Foot Deformities and “Bumps”

One of the targets of RA inflammation is the joint capsule, which normally acts like a sleeve, protecting the joint by adding stability to it.

Some of the deformities related to rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Charcot arthropathy, also called Charcot foot and ankle If one or more joints in the ankle or foot become severely damaged, the foot may collapse, resulting in a deformity called Charcot arthropathy.
  
• Rheumatoid nodules These firm “bumps” are the size of a pea, occur where pressure is put on the foot, like the soles and the big toe joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a major crippling disorder and perhaps the most serious form of arthritis. It is a complex, chronic inflammatory system of diseases, often affecting more than a dozen smaller joints during the course of the disease, frequently in a symmetrical pattern, for example,  — both ankles. It is often accompanied by signs and symptoms such as lengthy morning stiffness, fatigue and weight loss.  Women are three or four times more likely than men to suffer RA. As RA damages joints, patients develop foot deformities that increase their risk for the formation of callus, foot ulcers, foot “bumps” and infection. Diminished quality of life is yet another serious consequence of foot symptoms in RA, resulting in loss of independence and function as well as social isolation.

Podiatrists are the key foot health professionals who can manage RA-related foot pathology, including the delivery of foot health education. Information relating to the purpose and use of clinical interventions such as foot orthotics, special footwear, and general disease and foot health are the most important aspects of such education.