What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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One type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This is a less common type of arthritis. This is a disease in which certain cells of your body and your immune system attack healthy joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, oftentimes in the joints of the hands and in the feet. Foot pain and problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis occur oftentimes in the ball of the foot. The most common signs and symptoms are related to foot problems, in addition to the abnormal appearance of deformities, are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking.
A few of the foot conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis include dislocated toe joints, hammertoes, bunions, and rheumatoid nodules. Rheumatoid nodules are bumps that can form in the feet or ankles that can cause pain with weight or with rubbing.
How to Diagnose Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of a clinical examination as well as blood tests. Often a referral to a rheumatologist is made. Long-term treatment focuses on medications prescribed by your primary doctor or rheumatologist. We can help form a plan that helps to relieve pain and symptoms associated with the foot and ankle specifically.
Seeking Treatment
This typically includes custom orthotics, steroid injections, and accommodative shoes that are often used as well. Occasionally surgery is needed with rheumatoid arthritis, to reduce pain and deformity, if the foot does not relieve through other non-surgical methods. A surgery plan is devised and is based on the procedures best suited to your pain, deformity, and lifestyle.
If you’ve been searching for podiatric surgeons for your foot and ankle needs, take time to meet with the Podiatry Group of Georgia. Our doctor has the experience and knowledge you need to help your feet and ankles feel their best. Give us a call today and set up an appointment for your initial consultation. Call us today
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