Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in many joints of the body, which particularly affect the hands, feet, wrists, ankles and knees.
What causes the problem?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease where a faulty immune system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions the joints, leaving them swollen, painful and stiff. The joints may enlarge and even freeze in one position so they can’t extend fully.
Is it serious?
The severity of the symptoms vary from person to person, but any kind of foot deformity as a result of Rheumatoid Arthritis will make you more likely to develop corns, calluses and ulcers. Rheumatoid nodules can also appear, which are fleshy bumps that usually occur below the elbow but can appear on the hands and feet too.
Who gets it?
Women are much more prone than men to developing Rheumatoid Arthritis, although anyone can contract the disease. It also tends to affect people over the age of 40.
What are the treatments?
Your doctor can make a clinical diagnosis using blood tests and x-rays. Specialist teams of rheumatologists, podiatrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, along with specialist nurses, will provide the most effective care and treatment for arthritic patients.
If you are worried about Rheumatoid Arthritis contact a member of our Podiatry team today. The quicker the condition is diagnosed the more successful the treatment will be.
When should I see a podiatrist about it?
Orthoses are a type of insole that can be fitted into shoes. Orthoses help you walk in a way that minimises pressure on affected joints. We can also provide protective shields for your toes or padding to relieve pressure and reduce friction.
Surgery can correct bunions and hammertoes caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. If your joint cartilage has been completely destroyed and the joints in your foot have been dislocated to the extent that it’s painful to walk, they can be fused together. This is called arthrodesis. The bones are held together with screws, plates or a rod. The bones eventually merge into one solid bone. Although this results in loss of movement in that joint, it can reduce pain.
Secondary problems caused by foot deformities, such as ulcers and corns, can also be treated.
AA Podiatry offer specialist treatment options to customers suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in Glasgow.
We also offer Warm Wax Therapy!
The paraffin wax heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance of pain,relaxes muscles and will increase hydration in the skin. By helping to soften and moisturise the skin it will provide a healing and therapeutic effect to sore and aching joints.