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Rheumatoid arthritis

What is it ?


Rheumatoid  Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks  the lining of the joint capsule, resulting in swelling and inflammation  at the joint, and eventually joint damage.

It most often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet, and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body.


Causes


 The exact cause of RA is not known.


Signs and Symptoms


  • Pain, swelling, tenderness of affected joint

  • Joint stiffness that takes a while to settle in the morning

  • Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects one specific joint, symptoms of RA usually appear in both feet, affecting the same joints on each foot.

  • Development of nodules in the feet - rheumatoid nodules

  • Prominent forefoot bones leading to toe deformities and/or bunions

  • Thickening of skin on the bottom of the forefoot

  • Flat feet


Treatment


Although there is no cure for RA, there are many treatment options available to help manage pain, stay active, and maintain your quality of life.

  • Rest

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication: for pain management

  • Orthotic therapy and offloading devices: to redistribute pressure away from the painful sites.

  • Footwear modification: Finding supportive footwear that are wide and deep enough to accommodate prominent joints

  • Regular screening of changes of the foot, biomechanics, skin condition, and neurovascular function of the foot.

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