Related Experiment Videos
[Heel involvement in rheumatoid polyarthritis]
M Bouysset1, J G Tebib, J C Vianey
1Service de Rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud.
Revue Du Rhumatisme Et Des Maladies Osteo-Articulaires
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the heel bone (calcaneus), causing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs in nearly 30% of patients. These changes are often due to foot structure alterations from RA, not direct bone damage.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- The involvement of the calcaneus in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not well understood.
- RA commonly affects foot joints, leading to deformities and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of calcaneus abnormalities in patients with RA.
- To determine if calcaneus issues are a direct result of RA or secondary to foot deformities.
Main Methods:
- A clinical and radiological study was conducted on 408 consecutive rheumatoid feet.
- Evaluated for talalgia, plantar calcaneitis with plantar spur, and posterior exostosis.
Main Results:
- Talgia was infrequent (3.7%).
- Plantar calcaneitis (with spur) was observed in 29.7% of patients.
- Posterior exostosis was present in 30.5% of patients.
- Radiological abnormalities were more frequent in RA but appeared secondary to RA-induced foot statical modifications.
Conclusions:
- Calcaneus abnormalities like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are common in RA.
- These findings are largely a consequence of altered foot biomechanics due to RA, rather than direct bone inflammation.
- Orthopedic interventions should address the secondary nature of these calcaneal issues.