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Published on: January 24, 2018
Foot and ankle problems in rheumatoid arthritis
J Michelson1, M Easley, F M Wigley
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0881.
Foot & Ankle International
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis frequently causes foot and ankle problems, with over 90% of patients experiencing symptoms. Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from ankle and hindfoot issues, yet receive limited treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints.
- Foot and ankle involvement is common in RA, impacting patient mobility and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of foot and ankle problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To investigate the relationship between RA duration and foot/ankle symptom occurrence.
- To compare the distribution of foot/ankle complaints in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 99 rheumatoid arthritis patients was recruited from rheumatology clinics.
- Patients underwent a standardized examination to assess functional status and joint involvement.
- Data collected included patient-reported foot and ankle complaints since RA diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 93% of patients reported foot or ankle complaints at some point after RA diagnosis.
- Ankle problems were most common (42%), followed by forefoot (28%) and combined ankle/forefoot (14%) issues.
- Symptom prevalence correlated with RA duration; ankle and hindfoot complaints were more prevalent than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- Foot and ankle problems are highly prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients, often linked to disease duration.
- Ankle and hindfoot symptoms are significant in RA, contrary to some prior research.
- Despite high symptom rates, few RA patients received specific foot orthotic or surgical interventions.
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