Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of your joints. When RA affects your feet, it leads to inflammation, pain, and progressive deformities that can make walking, standing, and even wearing shoes difficult. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your feet due to RA, meeting with our team at Best Foot Dr. NY can help you understand the symptoms and treatment. This article discusses the most common RA-related foot deformities and the treatment options in Brooklyn, NYC.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Your Feet
Your feet are made up of multiple joints, tendons, and ligaments that support movement and balance. When RA targets these structures, the inflammation damages the joint lining, weakens the surrounding ligaments, and wears down the cartilage that cushions your bones. Over time, this damage can lead to foot deformities, making it harder to move without pain.
Common RA-Related Foot Deformities in Brooklyn, NYC
If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, you could notice gradual changes in how your toes and joints look and feel. These deformities start to develop because of the prolonged inflammation, joint instability, and weakening of the surrounding structures. The most common foot-related issues you could face as a result of your RA include:
Hammer Toe
A hammer toe forms when the joint in your toe bends abnormally, forcing it into a downward position. The tendons and ligaments responsible for toe movement tighten from the chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. As the toe stays in a bent position, it becomes harder to straighten, leading to discomfort and limited flexibility. Over time, the pressure against shoes can result in pain, corns, and calluses.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe, gradually pushing your toe inward toward the others. RA-related inflammation weakens the joint, causing instability that allows the toe to drift out of alignment. This condition often leads to additional foot pain, swelling, and joint stiffness, requiring a bunion doctor at Best Foot Dr. NY.
Calluses and Corns
RA-related foot deformities also change how weight is distributed across your feet, leading to excess pressure in certain areas. This uneven pressure causes calluses and corns, which develop as a protective response. Without proper care, beyond cosmetic foot surgery, they can lead to more discomfort and sometimes difficulty walking.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a deep aching pain in the ball of your foot caused by inflammation in the metatarsal joints. RA damages the protective cartilage in these joints, leading to increased friction and pressure on the bones. The pain can get worse with weight-bearing activities, making walking or standing for long periods uncomfortable.
Claw Toe
With claw toe, the tendons in your toes become imbalanced and forced to bend into a claw-like position. With rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, the inflammation weakens the small muscles and ligaments that keep your toes aligned. As the condition progresses, your toes stiffen and curl downward, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. This deformity can cause pain when walking, as the toes press unnaturally against the inside of the shoe, leading to irritation and pressure sores.
In addition to these deformities, RA can weaken bones, leading to stress fractures or collapsed foot arches. These issues make daily activities more challenging and may require medical intervention.
Treatment Options for RA-Related Foot Deformities
In order to properly manage foot deformities from RA, you’ll need a combination of treatments that target inflammation, relieve pain, and correct any structural changes. As a result, your rheumatoid arthritis doctor may refer you to a podiatrist who specializes in RA foot related issues.
Non-Surgical Treatments From a Best Foot Dr. NY Podiatrist in Brooklyn
You can effectively manage most RA-related foot deformities through conservative treatments that help slow the progression of joint damage and improve comfort. These may include:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants help control pain and swelling.
- Custom Orthotics: Special shoe inserts can relieve pressure on affected joints.
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes with extra depth, wide toe boxes, and proper arch support can stop your foot issues from getting worse.
- Braces or Splints: As the best doctor for rheumatoid arthritis, we offer devices that realign your toes and stabilize your foot.
- Activity Modifications: Avoiding high-impact activities that put stress on your feet can help manage your pain.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
If your RA-related foot deformities get too severe and start to interfere with your ability to walk, bunion surgery or other procedures may be the best option. Common procedures include:
- Joint Fusion: Permanently joins damaged joints to improve stability and reduce pain.
- Hoffman Procedure: Removes damaged joints in the toes to correct deformities.
- Osteotomy: Realigns bones by cutting and repositioning them.
- Resection Surgery: Removes a small section of bone to relieve pressure and allow the foot to function properly.
For claw toes and hammer toes, we may release tight tendons or remove small bone sections to allow the toes to straighten. Many patients who get foot surgery see improved mobility and can returb to their regular activities with significantly less pain.
Find the Right Treatment for RA-Related Foot Deformities With Best Foot Dr. NY
If rheumatoid arthritis affects your feet, getting the proper treatment early can help prevent long-term mobility issues. From custom orthotics to surgical correction, there are multiple options to restore comfort and function. Contact our Brooklyn Best Foot Dr. NY team today to find out the best approach for managing your symptoms.