Musculoskeletal Foot Problems

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Can cause pain and swelling in the joints making them feel stiff and very tender to touch. RA can also make you feel very tired and unwell, generally.

RA is an ‘autoimmune’ disease that is the body’s own immune system attacks the cells that line your joint. In the lower limb the small joints of the feet known as ‘metatarso-phalangeal joints’ (at the base of your toes) are commonly affected, but it can also affect other joints in the feet too.

It is more common in women and tends affect people between the ages of 40-70 years. It can however affect younger people too.

If you want more information about any kind of arthritis and how they can affect your feet, the web links below will provide you with a wealth of advice and resources about arthritis generally and Rheumatoid Arthritis specifically (NRAS).

• Arthritis Research UK
• Arthritis Care
• National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society