Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Various joints of the body can be affected due to attack of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Almost 90% of people suffer Rheumatoid Arthritis of foot and ankle other than other body parts. Generally the forefoot and toe becomes affected first and then spread to the back portion and ankle. Like Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are many kinds of arthritis that create negative impact on foot and ankle. These include gout, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Reiters syndrome.

Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is still unrevealed. But it is quite troublesome in almost every house of India and all over the world. Many factors are responsible for RA of foot and ankle. These are probably

  • Gene
  • Lifestyle
  • Lack of Immunity
  • Foods

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Basically pain, inflammation and stiffness are the three significant symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It attacks usually more than one joint of both feet. Patient may feel discomfort from joints to soles and balls of the feet. Gradually feet become stiffen if not treated in proper time. This stiffen toe is medically termed as Hammer Toe or Claw Toe. X-ray and blood test is enough to detect RA of foot and ankle.

Treatments:

The pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis of foot and ankle is reduced by medications and exercise. Through medications like Aspirin and Iboproven the pain can be decelerated. But physicians also suggest some special shoes to wear. However, if case is severe then patients are prescribed orthopedic device, crutches or canes.
It is needless to say that surgery can completely eradicate the problem of RA of foot and ankle. Arthrodesis is the most eminent surgical method in which the joint cartilage is excised with or without bone operation. So in these ways Rheumatoid Arthritis of foot and ankle can be cured.