When Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects the Feet: What You Should Know
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joint tissue. While it often affects the hands and knees, the feet are also a common site of damage. In fact, more than 90% of people living with RA eventually experience symptoms in their feet and ankles.
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we regularly see patients from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and across NYC who are struggling with rheumatoid arthritis–related foot deformities. If you’re noticing changes in the shape or function of your feet, this page will help you understand what’s happening and when it’s time to seek help.
What Causes RA-Related Foot Deformities?
In RA, the lining of your joints becomes inflamed. Over time, this inflammation can lead to joint erosion, instability, and foot deformities. The immune system essentially wears down the structures that normally allow your feet to function and bear weight properly.
As joints weaken and shift, surrounding tendons and ligaments stretch or rupture. This destabilization is especially common in the small joints of the toes and the midfoot.
Common Foot Deformities Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA can affect nearly every part of the foot. Some of the most common deformities include:
Forefoot Deformities
- Hammertoes and claw toes: Joints contract and the toes curl, leading to stiffness and pain.
- Bunions (hallux valgus): The big toe angles toward the second toe, often becoming red and swollen.
- Dislocated toe joints: RA can cause the toes to shift out of place, particularly in the ball of the foot.
- Loss of fat padding: Cushioning under the forefoot thins, making walking painful.
Midfoot and Hindfoot Issues
- Collapsed arches (pes planovalgus): Joint weakening can cause the arch of the foot to flatten, resulting in pain and poor balance.
- Heel and ankle instability: As joints degenerate, ankle alignment can become skewed, leading to gait changes and instability.
- Subtalar joint collapse: This occurs in severe cases and contributes to a valgus deformity, when the foot turns outward abnormally.
These changes can lead to pressure points, calluses, corns, and difficulty finding shoes that fit.
Preventing RA Foot Deformities in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Intervention Strategies
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Not every foot symptom in RA indicates a deformity, but the following are red flags:
- Persistent foot pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Visible changes in toe alignment or foot shape
- Frequent calluses or skin irritation from abnormal pressure points
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Swelling or warmth around foot joints
- Loss of foot flexibility
If you live in NYC and experience any of these symptoms, a podiatrist can help determine whether RA is affecting your feet.
How Foot Deformities Progress in Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA-related foot issues typically worsen over time without intervention. Many patients go from experiencing mild discomfort to needing assistive devices—or even surgery—if the problem isn’t addressed early.
Stages of progression may include:
- Early Inflammation – mild stiffness or tenderness
- Joint Misalignment – subtle toe shifts, swelling
- Functional Loss – difficulty with walking or shoe fit
- Advanced Deformity – severe joint damage, instability, or disability
Some deformities may progress quickly, while others develop slowly over years.
Risk Factors for RA-Related Foot Issues
While RA itself is the root cause, certain factors may increase your risk of developing foot deformities:
- Long-standing rheumatoid arthritis
- Poorly controlled disease activity
- Smoking
- Family history of severe RA
- Wearing unsupportive footwear
- Delayed medical attention for foot symptoms
Your podiatrist can work with your rheumatologist to monitor for early signs and coordinate care.
How RA Foot Deformities Are Diagnosed
If you’re experiencing unusual foot changes, an NYC podiatrist can perform a full evaluation, including:
- Visual and physical examination: Observing alignment, skin changes, and joint movement.
- X-rays: These help assess joint spacing, dislocations, or bone erosion.
- Ultrasound or MRI: May be used to evaluate soft tissue and early inflammatory changes.
Proper diagnosis is key. It helps determine whether you’re dealing with a flexible deformity, a rigid one, or a combination, each of which requires a different management strategy.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Deformities
Even with deformities, many people living with RA maintain an active lifestyle, especially with the right care team. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we help NYC patients manage pain, improve mobility, and delay or avoid the need for surgery when possible.
Our care philosophy focuses on:
- Early detection
- Conservative support strategies
- Patient education
- Borough-accessible follow-up care in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan
You’re not alone—and these deformities don’t have to define your mobility.
When to See a Podiatrist in NYC
It’s time to schedule an appointment if:
- You’re experiencing new or worsening foot pain
- Your feet appear misshapen or swollen
- You’re struggling with daily walking or shoe fit
- You’ve been diagnosed with RA and want a preventive foot evaluation
We welcome patients with or without a formal RA diagnosis. If your foot issues are interfering with your comfort or routine, it’s worth exploring your options.
Why Choose Best Foot Doctor NY?
We’ve helped hundreds of patients across New York City take steps toward healthier, more functional feet. Our practice stands out for:
- Minimally invasive expertise – preserving structure and mobility whenever possible
- On-site diagnostics – including digital X-rays and imaging
- Personalized care plans – based on the severity and goals of each patient
- Convenient locations – with offices in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan
- Multilingual support – so you can speak comfortably about your condition
Our podiatrists understand the complexity of rheumatoid arthritis and offer compassionate guidance through every stage of care.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis–related foot deformities are common but treatable. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with RA or you’re just starting to notice foot changes, early evaluation makes a big difference.
If you’re in Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan and have concerns about joint pain, toe deformities, or trouble walking, contact Best Foot Doctor NY. We’ll help you understand your symptoms and build a plan for better mobility and long-term comfort.