Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential deformity. It often affects the feet, making walking difficult. Causes include genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Elite Foot Care on the Sunshine Coast provides expert care for managing RA in the feet, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterised by the immune system attacking the body’s lining of the membranes surrounding the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis (which results from mechanical wear and tear) Rheumatoid Arthritis leads to inflammation, causing painful swelling. If untreated this can result in joint deformity and erosion of the surrounding bone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis often presents in the small joints of your hands and feet, knees, hips, ankles, elbows and shoulders.
RA primarily begins with the immune system incorrectly targeting the synovial membranes that encapsulate the joints. This attack triggers inflammation leading to thickened synovium, which could eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint. Gradually, this might lead not only to joint deformity but also to ligaments and tendons stretching and weakening, further destabilising the joint
While the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains elusive, several factors contribute to its development:
Genetics play a crucial role in predisposing individuals to RA. Specific genetic markers are associated with a higher risk of developing RA. Family history can be a significant indicator, and will increase the likelihood that you develop RA.
Environmental factors including smoking, viral or bacterial infections, or exposure to certain chemicals, can act as potential triggers in people genetically predisposed to RA. Smoking has been strongly linked to the onset and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
The prevalence of RA is higher in women than in men leading researchers to explore hormonal influences. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, especially during significant life events such as pregnancy or menopause might impact disease activity.
Early detection and intervention can significantly impact the course of the disease and the quality of life of those affected so be aware of the symptoms below and seek a medical professional in the early stage.
Approximately 90% of individuals with RA experience symptoms in their feet and ankles. Problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain are common and foot deformities can severely impact mobility and balance. This requires Podiatry interventions to manage and alleviate symptoms.
Accurate diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is essential for effective management. It is important to address RA in its early stages. The process typically involves a combination of physical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging tests.
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis effectively requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates medication, therapy from a podiatrist, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical intervention. Your care team may involve your doctor, rheumatologist, podiatrist and other health professionals.
Medications such as Anti-Inflammatories and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce symptom and prevent joint damage.
Consuming anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help manage inflammation and potentially reduce RA symptoms.
Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling enhance cardiovascular fitness without stressing the joints.
In severe cases of RA, a referral for surgical intervention may be required.
A custom treatment plan from a podiatrists plays a crucial role in managing RA by improving flexibility, increasing range of motion, and reducing pain. The following treatments options may be used in your treatment plan for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in
Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we
Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.
Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.
Custom Ankle Foot Orthotics are personalised devices designed to support the foot and ankle, correct conditions, and improve overall function and mobility. They are tailored to each patient’s anatomical specifications and specific medical conditions, offering superior support compared to off-the-shelf options.
Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.
Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.
