Foot health and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to identify foot health factors related to the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).SettingIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 293 subjects were analysed, 229 of whom were in the RA group and 64 in the control group. In the RA group, 173 patients were female, and 50 in the control group.ParticipantsPatients with foot pain and RA (according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria) and with foot pain but no RA were recruited (Granada, Spain).InterventionTwo researchers independently interviewed the patients to obtain data for the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresClinical data were obtained using the Short Form 12-Item questionnaire (quality of life) (primary outcome), Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS pain), the Manchester Foot Pain Disability Index (MFPDI) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a foot measurement platform, the Foot Posture Index and the Manchester Scale of Hallux Valgus (secondary outcomes).ResultsOf the 293 subjects, 76.1% were female. Significant differences were observed between the RA and the control group (p<0.001) with regard to VAS pain (general, foot and hand), MFPDI and FFI. In terms of anthropometric measurements, significant differences were only recorded for midfoot and forefoot width (p=0.03). For the physical health component, multivariable linear regression with the parameters age, gender, VAS pain (general) and the presence of RA presented an R2 value of 48.8%, while for the mental health component the corresponding value was 5.6%.ConclusionMorphological and structural characteristics of the foot are not necessarily associated with pain, disability and loss of function. The presence of RA, a higher score on VAS pain (general), female gender and older age are all associated with the physical component of the quality of life of patients with RA.

Symmetry Criterion for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In other words, in the control group, the left and right feet were morphologically and structurally equivalent. Thus, although the symmetric involvement of the joints is often considered a characteristic feature of RA [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], this association is not confirmed by our study findings.…”

“…According to most authors, the joint damage provoked by RA is largely symmetric, and the first symptoms are considered to be symmetric polyarthritis of the small joints, together with pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the hand and/or foot. However, although symmetry is often said to be a prominent feature of RA [ 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], there is no scientific evidence to support this view. In this respect, Zangger et al reported a general prevalence of asymmetry in joint damage in RA (of approximately 13–16%) and a tendency for this asymmetry to increase slightly as the disease progresses [ 13 ].…”

Static Foot Disturbances and the Quality of Life of Older Person with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…In Poland RA affects approximately 1% of the adult population, which is around 400,000 individuals [ 19 , 20 ]. Recent medical studies reflect an increased interest in health-related quality of life of patients, particularly those with chronic diseases [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Repeatability and Reliability of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Disease Activity Index in Spanish Patients: A Transcultural Adaptation

“…Moreover, the Manchester Spanish [MFPDI] questionnaire was also employed with the F-F-I in a population of arthritis patients linked with healthy patients with significant differences, especially with a VAS of 6 to 2 for arthritis patients with foot pain vs. arthritis foot patients without foot pain, in the research of Reinoso-Cobo et al [ 32 ].…”