Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, chronic inflammatory disease that can occur nearly anywhere in the body. The feet contain several small bones, making them an ideal target for rheumatoid arthritis to strike. Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York provide comprehensive, individualized care to patients dealing with rheumatoid arthritis in their feet. September is Pain Awareness Month which makes chronic pain conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, an important topic of discussion. Please continue reading to learn about how our podiatrist in NYC manages rheumatoid arthritis in the feet and some of the signs of this condition.
Signs of RA In Your Feet
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and often painful autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistake the synovium (joint lining) for a pathogen and tries to destroy the synovium. This can cause significant damage to your joint tissue and lead to significant inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet include:
- Chronic pain in the feet, especially after prolonged periods of standing, walking or running.
- Pain and stiffness in the toes or other joints in the feet.
- Swelling, warmth, and redness in the feet.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can cause unbearable foot pain over time. One of the long-term symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis is joint destruction. As the bones and joint tissue in the feet break down, it can cause weaker foot joints and make walking painful. Changes in your foot shape can also occur due to joint destruction and lead to painful bunions or hammertoes. Our podiatrist in NYC can address your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and develop a treatment plan to provide you with relief.
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Foot
Sadly, rheumatoid arthritis is an incurable condition. However, our podiatrist in NYC offers several treatments to reduce the frequency of flare-ups and reduce some of your symptoms. Some of the ways we address rheumatoid arthritis in the feet may include:
- Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on inflamed joints.
- Stem cell and PRP therapy.
- Surgery to remove damaged cartilage and inflamed tissue or completely replace the joint.
Contact Us
At Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York, we have seen firsthand how painful rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be for our patients. Our podiatrist in NYC understands how to effectively treat this disorder to improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. Contact Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York today to schedule an appointment.