Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, including those of the feet, leading to deformities and limited mobility. As a result of inflammatory processes associated with arthritis, joint dislocations, joint destruction, and deformities of the toes and the foot as a whole may develop. Treatment of foot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at restoring normal foot function, reducing pain, and improving the patient’s quality of life.
When is correction of foot deformities required in rheumatoid arthritis?
- In the presence of foot deformities such as transverse flatfoot, hallux valgus (“bunions”), or claw toes.
- When foot mobility is limited and walking becomes difficult due to pain interfering with daily activities.
- With progression of joint inflammation leading to cartilage destruction and loss of the normal anatomical shape of the foot.
- When standard conservative treatments (medication, physiotherapy) are ineffective and surgical intervention is required.
Methods of treating foot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis
Conservative treatment (prior to surgery)
- Orthopedic footwear — the use of specialized shoes with rigid soles and custom orthotic insoles to reduce load on deformed joints.
- Pharmacological therapy — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as immunosuppressive agents to control disease activity.
- Physiotherapy — therapeutic exercises aimed at improving blood circulation and reducing muscle tension in the foot, helping to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
- Steroid injections — used to reduce inflammation and joint pain during disease flare-ups.
Surgical treatment of foot deformities
- Correction of toe deformities (e.g., surgery for hallux valgus or claw toes) to restore proper toe alignment and reduce pain.
- Arthrodesis (joint fusion) — fixation of joints in an anatomically correct position when foot joints are severely damaged and unstable.
- Reconstructive surgery of the foot joints to restore normal anatomy and function.
- Removal of damaged tissues with placement of plates or implants to restore stability and relieve pain.
- Joint replacement of the foot in cases of complete cartilage destruction when functional restoration is no longer possible.
Advantages of surgical treatment of foot deformities in Belarus
- Relief of pain and restoration of foot mobility, significantly improving quality of life.
- Restoration of normal foot function, allowing patients to regain the ability to walk and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Long-term results with prevention of further progression of foot deformities.
- Access to modern techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, which reduce recovery time and complication risks.
Postoperative recovery
- Restriction of weight-bearing on the foot during the first weeks after surgery and use of orthopedic devices to maintain proper foot alignment.
- Rehabilitation with physiotherapy to restore joint mobility and strengthen foot muscles.
- Use of anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.
- Regular follow-up visits and radiographic examinations to monitor healing and stabilization of the foot.
In Belarus, treatment of foot deformities associated with rheumatoid arthritis is provided in modern orthopedic and trauma centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities. Physicians apply contemporary treatment approaches, enabling effective restoration of foot function and significant pain relief.
