Changes in load bearing in the rheumatoid foot

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rheumatology
• Podiatry

Background:

• Rheumatoid disease can affect foot structure and function.
• Altered foot biomechanics may contribute to pain and disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate peak foot force distribution in rheumatoid disease patients.
• To compare foot pressure patterns between rheumatoid disease patients and healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• Peak forces exerted under different foot areas were measured.
• 27 rheumatoid disease patients and 30 healthy controls participated.

Main Results:

• Rheumatoid disease patients showed reduced force under toes and the first metatarsal head.
• Increased force was observed under the three outer metatarsal heads in patients.
• These force alterations correlated with clinical and radiological rheumatoid disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Rheumatoid disease significantly alters foot loading patterns.
• Altered foot biomechanics in rheumatoid disease are linked to disease severity.