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Digital foot deformities in the arthritic patient
1Good Samaritan Hospital, San Jose, California.
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Early intervention is crucial for managing rheumatoid foot deformities and pain. Aggressive medical and mechanical treatments are vital to slow disease progression and maintain patient function.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Rheumatoid foot deformities are progressive, particularly during active inflammatory arthritis.
- Early intervention is key to managing pain and preventing further deformity.
- Treatment strategies must consider the active nature of the disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of early and aggressive management of rheumatoid foot deformities.
- To outline considerations for selecting appropriate medical, surgical, or biomechanical treatments.
- To highlight the benefits of maintaining function throughout the disease course.
Main Methods:
- Review of current treatment approaches for rheumatoid foot deformities.
- Analysis of factors influencing treatment decisions, including disease activity and patient symptoms.
- Discussion of the necessity for combined medical and mechanical interventions.
Main Results:
- Early and aggressive management is most effective for rheumatoid foot deformities.
- Treatment decisions should be individualized based on disease activity, deformity severity, and patient factors.
- Withholding treatment until the disease is inactive offers minimal benefit.
Conclusions:
- Prompt and comprehensive treatment of rheumatoid foot deformities is essential for optimal outcomes.
- Maintaining patient function and productivity should be a primary goal.
- Addressing psychosocial impacts associated with chronic conditions is important.