Are Foot and Ankle Characteristics Associated With Falls in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Prospective Study

To determine whether foot and ankle characteristics are associated with falls in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A total of 201 adults with RA were recruited from rheumatology outpatient clinics in Auckland, New Zealand. Clinical characteristics, common fall risk factors, and foot and ankle variables were measured. Participants were prospectively studied for 12 months to record the occurrence of falls using falls diaries. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline variables that were independent predictors of falls over the 12 months.

Eighty-four participants (42%) fell at least once and 39 (19%) experienced multiple (>1) falls over the 12-month followup period. In logistic regression analysis, including age and significant baseline variables in bivariate analysis but not baseline fall history, presence of foot or ankle tender joints (odds ratio [OR] 1.95, P = 0.034) and psychotropic medication (OR 2.35, P = 0.025) were independent predictors of prospective falls. However, when baseline fall history was included in the analysis, psychotropic medication (OR 2.34, P = 0.025) and baseline fall history (over the preceding 12 months) (OR 2.27, P = 0.008) were independent predictors of prospective falls.

Foot and ankle characteristics are not associated with falls in people with RA, independent of prior falls. Inquiry about prior falls and psychotropic medications may assist in identifying patients with RA who are at high risk of future falls.