Whether it’s Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, Osteo, or anything in between, the many forms of arthritis don’t just cause pain and swelling in the feet and ankles. Sometimes, we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists see this inflammatory disease manifest in a range of debilitating secondary conditions. In today’s post, we’ll explore 8 of the most common consequences of unmanaged arthritis in observance of Arthritis Awareness Month.
Bunions often arise from joint inflammation and altered biomechanics caused by arthritis. In inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, chronic inflammation can weaken ligaments and erode bone, leading to the inward drift of the big toe. Osteoarthritis can also contribute, as cartilage loss and bone spurs change its alignment.
Speaking of bone spurs, osteoarthritis can particularly stimulate their formation, and surprisingly, they are an immune response to the damage arthritis causes. These bony growths develop as the body attempts to repair damaged cartilage, but in the process, they cause pain and stiffness and limit joint movement.
Toe deformities like hammertoes and claw toes frequently develop from muscle imbalances and joint damage associated with inflammatory arthritis. Both Rheumatoid and Psoriatic affect the tendons controlling toe movement, degenerate the toe joints, and cause them to bend unnaturally.
As a result of these deformities, the abnormal pressure and friction of the affected areas tend to rub against footwear. This repeated irritation sometimes leads to painful corns (on non-weight-bearing areas like the tops and sides of toes) and calluses (on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet).
Pain at the sites where tendons and ligaments insert into bone (known as enthesitis), including plantar fasciitis, is often triggered by inflammatory arthritis. The inflammatory process can directly affect the plantar fascia at its attachment to the heel bone and cause significant pain due to its proximity to these joints.
Like the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon and its insertion point on the heel can also become inflamed due to various forms of arthritis. This inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the ankle.
In Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, chronic inflammation can weaken the ligaments and tendons supporting the arch, most notably the posterior tibial tendon, and cause the arch to collapse. Osteoarthritis in the midfoot joints can also contribute to a loss of arch height.
Also, muscle imbalances caused by neurological involvement in some forms of arthritis can lead to high arches.
While not a direct foot structure problem, psoriasis, the skin condition associated with psoriatic arthritis, can significantly affect the skin and nails of the feet and ankles. This can manifest as thick, scaly patches on the soles or tops of the feet, as well as pitting, ridging, and discoloration of the toenails.
For any podiatric concerns you’re facing, come see Dr. Hubert Lee and the team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists for guidance and advice. You can schedule an appointment online or call today at 425-455-0936.
