Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently has widespread effects on the body. One area of special concern is the impact of RA on your feet. Unfortunately, the underlying disease process can make your feet painful and lead to long-term foot changes.
Raynaud's Syndrome
In people with RA and other autoimmune diseases, secondary Raynaud's syndrome is a common occurrence. The condition occurs because cold or stress triggers the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow to the area. Your feet, hands, nose, and other extremities are the most vulnerable to Raynaud's. Fortunately, most episodes of Raynaud's are not painful, but it can be uncomfortable since the areas affected will feel cold and numb. In more serious instances, blood flow may become severely restricted and lead to tissue death. If the issue is ongoing and severe, medications used to dilate the blood vessels might be helpful, such as some prescription medications used in hypertension.
Deformities
RA most commonly affects smaller joints, but any joint can be affected. Since the disease damages the joint and surrounding tissues can be weakened by swelling and inflammation, toe deformities often occur. Many of the toe deformities you associate with wearing ill-fitting shoes are the same ones that may occur in RA. Bunions, hammer toe, and claw toe can exacerbate existing RA pain, but they can cause problems with walking and balance. In the early stages of toe deformities, a podiatrist might recommend splinting to help straighten the toes and cushions to minimize pain during walking. Once these deformities become fixed, only surgery can correct them. Other foot concerns, such as collapsed arches and tendinitis can also be caused by RA.
Irritation
An indirect problem caused by RA includes irritation to your feet and the development of corns and calluses. With toe deformities also comes usual pressure points on your feet. The knuckle of your toes may begin to rub against the top of your shoes, leading to sores and blisters. Corns and calluses are also common since new pressure points develop on your feet as they become more deformed. A podiatrist can suggest shoes that might be more comfortable for your unique foot concerns. For example, some orthopedic shoes have a deeper toe box to prevent the toes from rubbing against the top of the shoe. Reducing abnormal pressure points with padding can slow the progression of corns and calluses.
Although most people only think of RA's effect on the hands, the disease frequently causes similar damage to your feet. Speaking with a podiatrist, such as at Bazzi Podiatry, can help ease some of the issues associated with RA.
