Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot?

It is an autoimmune disease where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your joints and causes inflammation. This condition can cause you foot swelling, pain, and deformity, making your everyday activities difficult. RA can affect any part of the foot, including the toes, midfoot, and ankle.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis foot deformities can have signs like:

• Persistent pain and tenderness
• Swelling and warmth in the joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Joint deformity
• Difficulty in walking
• Reduced range of motion
• Formation of nodules under the skin

What are the Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Foot?

• Early Stage: It has mild symptoms like occasional swelling and discomfort.
• Moderate Stage: This stage includes an increase in inflammation, pain, and joint stiffness.
• Severe Stage: It involves significant pain, visible deformities, and reduced mobility.
• End Stage: you may experience extensive joint damage, severe deformities, and loss of function.

How to Cure Rheumatoid Arthritis in Foot Permanently?

While there is no absolute cure for RA, effective management can lead to significant relief, especially if you have Rheumatoid arthritis foot pain at night:

1. We assess your inflammation, pain, and joint damage through thorough physical examinations, rheumatoid arthritis foot X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound. We might also use blood tests for Rheumatoid arthritis for specific antibodies.
2. We prescribe rheumatoid arthritis medication like
   1. Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
   2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as Methotrexate to slow disease progression
   3. Biologics target specific immune system components and  reduce inflammation and joint damage
3. Our therapists design personalized exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
4. We guide you to get the custom orthotics required for your case. They reduce pressure on affected areas, improve foot alignment, and enhance overall comfort.
5. We plan a balanced diet for rheumatoid arthritis in feet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Since extra weight puts additional strain on your joints, we guide achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
7. We advise you to avoid daily activities that put excessive strain on the feet, such as using supportive footwear and taking breaks during prolonged standing or walking.

Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot

You may need surgery if:

• Your pain becomes unbearable and interferes with your daily activities.
• Your joint damage progresses despite medication and physical therapy.
• Your deformities develop and limit mobility and function.

Surgical options include:

• Synovectomy: We remove the inflamed joint lining to reduce pain and swelling. This minimally invasive procedure helps you preserve your joint function and delay the progression of RA.
• Osteotomy: It involves cutting and realigning bones to improve joint function and reduce pain. It helps you correct deformities and distribute your weight more evenly across your foot.
• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): We fuse the bones in the affected joint to stabilize it and remove pain. This surgery option is particularly effective for severely damaged joints, providing long-term relief and improved stability.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): We replace the damaged joint with an artificial one to restore your mobility and reduce your pain. This advanced procedure is ideal if you have extensive joint damage.