Dorset Foot & Ankle Clinic

Figure 1 – X Ray of a patient with moderately severe deformity due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Patient suitable for forefoot arthroplasty

Figure 2 – The same patient following surgery to the left foot

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot

The foot is commonly a site for the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. This can lead to multiple problems and deformity. This includes arthritis of the big toe joint, dislocation of the metatarsal joints of the lesser toes and clawing of the lesser toes. In addition to this it can also be the cause of arthritis of any other joints in the foot.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Forefoot

We work closely with the Rheumatologists when assessing patients with these problems. Treatment for the rheumatoid forefoot usually starts with the medical treatment. Some of the modern disease modifying treatments can very effectively prevent or at least slow down some of the severe deformities seen in this condition.

When foot pain and toe deformity become a problem then these are often managed with orthopaedic footwear to allow room for toes and allow pressure-relieving insoles to be inserted.

Surgical treatment for rheumatoid foot can best be described as the ‘forefoot arthroplasty’. A number of different procedures may be used and treatment will be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Your consultant will discuss this with you and explain the post operative management and any potential complications.

For other joints affected by rheumatoid disease see under appropriate other sections.