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Early Symptoms of RA & the Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that attacks many different joints in the body. About 90 percent of all people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis will have symptoms in the feet, ankles or toes.

  1. Identification

    • RA is a systemic condition that can affect multiple joints in the body, often at the same time. The cause of RA is unknown, but it is thought to be a genetic disease. RA causes the body's immune system to turn on itself and cause pain in the joints due to inflammation.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of RA in the feet are pain and swelling. RA can affect joints on both feet. Pain is usually concentrated in the ball of the foot, and the joints can feel hot to the touch and may appear red. RA can cause the development of corns, bunions, or hammertoes.

    Diagnosis

    • Your doctor may order blood tests to check for the rheumatoid factor, which is an antibody that is often present in patients who have RA. Anemia is another condition that is often present with RA. The doctor may also order an x-ray of the feet to determine if there is any damage to these joints.

    Treatment

    • The pain and inflammation associated with RA is often treated with medication. Steroid medicines such as prednisone may be beneficial in slowing the progression of the disease. Exercise is very important in patients with RA. The doctor may prescribe stretching and range-of-motion exercises.

    Surgery

    • If you develop RA of the feet, then you may experience conditions like hammertoes or bunions. These are conditions that may require surgery to correct. Fusion of the big toe, ankle and heel are often the most successful way to treat RA patients.

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