Guidelines for the Management of the Foot Health Problems Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

This pragmatic approach ensured that the guidelines were relevant and applicable to current practice as 'best practice', based on the available evidence from the literature and consensus expert opinion. These guidelines provide both specialist and non-specialist podiatrists with the essential and 'gold standard' aspects of managing people with RA-related foot problems.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of foot orthoses for people with established rheumatoid arthritis: an exploratory clinical trial

“…Clinically effective management of foot pain and prevention of foot deformity are the chief goals of intervention for people with RA [5][6][7]. Non-pharmacological interventions for RA that include foot orthoses and footwear can reduce pain and disability and improve long-term outcomes with existing and potential foot problems [8].…”

Rheumatic Diseases

“…The ethos of the foot health guidelines developed by Williams et al (2011) echoes the work of and aims to relieve pain, maintain function and improve quality of life utilizing specific interventions. These interventions include palliative treatment for the nails and skin, prescribed foot orthoses and specialist footwear and management and prevention of foot ulceration with the need for education and information in all aspects of foot health.…”

“…All traditional DMARDs have a slow onset of action, usually over several weeks to months, and a range of side effects that usually require long-term monitoring. patient (Williams et al 2011). Understanding the impact of the disease and foot problems on the patient is crucial to negotiating a suitable management plan.…”

“…Patients should have access to a full multidisciplinary team for assessment and intervention early in the disease process, and this includes foot health assessment (Williams et al 2011).…”

Using ultrasound to image the foot in rheumatoid arthritis: current understanding, challenges and future scope

“…There is potential for the routine use of US to be an integral tool towards facilitating tight control of RA foot disease and the evaluation of management [52,[71][72][73][74]. Emerging evidence suggests that the use of US provides clinicians with the diagnostic capabilities to detect, grade and monitor active RA foot disease to expedite timely interventions [39,41,47,55].…”