Posts

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUR FEET

Rheumatoid Arthritis and its effect on your Feet

Is an autoimmune condition which causes inflammation in the joints of the hands and feet.

In the feet this may lead to:

  • Joint pain and reduced range of motion
  • Bunions
  • Shifting of the digits
  • Overall changes in the foot structure
  • Contraction of tendons
  • Rheumatoid nodules
  • Callous formation

Within podiatry, the goal of treatment is to decrease pain, preserve joint quality and range of motion.
We can do that by:

  • Exercises and stretches
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Orthotics 
  • Taping and/or paddings
  • Footwear recommendations
  • THOR Laser
  • Referrals to other allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists. 

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS? Check out our latest blog to find out more!

ARTHRITIS

There are 3 types of arthritis that commonly affect the feet

Osteoarthritis

 Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis

 Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gout

 Gout

These will most likely affect the big toe of the foot and lead to degeneration of the joint.

Over time this may lead to structural changes of the joint and reduce range of motion.

Reduced range of motion will decrease the body’s ability to adapt to forces loaded to the area and impinge on the normal function of
the joint.

Symptoms
Reduced range of motion
Visible changes to the joint
Pain in the joint and/or surrounding soft tissue
Change in walking gait

Treatment is to help decreased pain and maintain the joint’s range of motion.

This may include
Mobilisation
Soft tissue therapy
Orthotics
Exercise prescription
Footwear recommendations

If in doubt please call us today for an appointment with one of our podiatrists on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.