What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Feet?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that causes pain, disability, joint deformities and swelling, as the body's immune system attacks joints throughout the body. The patient generally has received a diagnosis of RA prior to symptoms appearing in the feet. Diagnosis is usually made via clinical examination and blood tests.

Pain

• Joints become inflamed with excess fluid containing "inflammatory chemicals" in the lining of the joints. Also, "rheumatoid nodules" (swollen lumps) rub against shoes, causing more pain.

Swelling

• The joints swell from the excess fluid and become stiff. This can affect not only the toes, but the heel bones, the ankle, and the arch of the foot.

Redness and Warmth

• The joints of the feet and ankles can become red and warm from the swelling. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, this causes pressure that can damage the cartilage and bones, causing more pain if the bones rub together or joints dislocate.

Difficulty Walking

• A person with rheumatoid arthritis in the feet and ankles can experience great pain and stiffness when walking, and these symptoms can cause deformities in the feet to begin, reports FootPhysicians.com.

Deformities

• The deformities and complications that are possible in the feet are hammertoes, bunions, flatfoot, arch pain, heel pain and dislocated toes. A variety of surgical procedures can alleviate some of these conditions, as can some orthotics.