Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that significantly impacts various joints in the body, including the feet. This autoimmune disease arises when the immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and limited movement, which can hinder everyday tasks.
One of the earliest signs of RA in the feet is pain that may be intermittent or exacerbated by standing, putting pressure on the feet, or moving the feet and ankles. This pain can vary, often feeling worse when you’re active or during certain times of the day, such as in the morning or at night. Swelling and stiffness, especially in the morning, are also common symptoms. Over time, long-term inflammation can thicken the synovium, exacerbating these symptoms.
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to initially affect smaller joints, particularly those that connect your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to larger joints, including the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
Difficulty in performing specific movements, such as walking on stairs or ramps, can be an early indicator of ankle involvement in RA. Heel pain may also be an early sign, particularly when walking on uneven surfaces. Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite are other symptoms that might accompany RA in the feet.
For more detailed information on symptoms and treatments of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, visit these resources:
Healthline
Mayo Clinic
Verywell Health
Medical News Today
Verywell Health
Verywell Health
