The foot and ankle are often involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Many of the changes are seen in the forefoot.
Pathogenesis: ligamentous laxity or rupture, soft tissue synovitis, joint instability and dislocations
Clinical complaints associated with the rheumatoid forefoot:
(1) significant foot pain
(2) disability especially in walking
(3) difficulty in wearing shoes
Conditions associated with the rheumatoid forefoot:
(1) hallux valgus or varus
(2) hypertextension of the metatarsophalangeal joint with claw toe formation (fixed flexion deformity of the PIP joint)
(3) variable other toe deformities (hammer or mallet)
(4) variable rheumatoid nodule
Complications:
(1) plantar ulceration
(2) callous formation
(3) pannus formation
(4) Morton's neuroma
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Surgery, general
