Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which means that your body attacks healthy parts of your body. There are many reasons why you can develop this condition. You can inherit it (genetics), or it can be brought on by your environment (smoking). Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your whole body, including your feet. The most common parts of the foot affected by rheumatism are your small joints. Usually, the same joints on both feet are affected at the same time.

What happens to your foot? Signs and symptoms

  • Stiffness, pain and swelling in your joints
  • Nodules on different areas of your feet
  • Unstable joints
  • Changes in the shape of your foot and toes (claw toe, hammer toe, flat foot, bunions)
  • Corns and callus (buildup of hard skin)
  • Difficulty in carrying out daily activities, such as going up stairs or walking on uneven ground

What else can you expect?

  • Loss of feeling in your feet or parts of your feet
  • Your blood vessels can become swollen and can cause a rash to appear on your legs
  • Your blood vessels can go into spasms. This can limit the amount of blood going to your feet. If this happens, you will notice your feet changing colour or go numb.
  • Cramps in your calves or thighs.

What can you do to look after your feet?

  • Get in touch with a podiatrist as soon as you notice any changes or have any pain in your feet
  • Wash your feet regularly
  • Check your feet regularly, including your skin, nails and the general shape of your foot
  • Check your socks and shoes to make sure they are not too tight for your feet
  • Keep your nails in good condition
  • Use moisturising cream on your feet regularly
  • Apply ice to swollen areas to help reduce inflammation

What can a podiatrist do to help you?

 A podiatrist can help provide:

  • Further advice
  • General foot and nail care
  • Specialised care

For further information or if you develop a problem with your feet, please contact your nearest podiatry clinic on

Carlisle – 01228 608020
Penrith – 01768 245628
Workington– 01900 705120
Whitehaven – 01946 68635

 

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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

Pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

Complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302