Prevalence, impact and care of foot problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a United Kingdom based cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

BackgroundFoot symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) derive from a combination of inflammation, altered foot mechanics, deformity and secondary skin lesions. Guidelines recommend regular review of patients’ feet, but the extent to which the general population of RA patients report foot symptoms and access foot care has not been established. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, impact and care of foot problems in all patients with RA in one geographical area and identify factors associated with accessing foot care.MethodsCross-sectional survey of a random sample of patients with RA, who resided within a single community-based National Health Service (NHS) podiatry service. The questionnaire collected demographic data (age, gender, local deprivation score), clinical data (disease duration, arthritis medications, disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)), current foot problems, foot care accessed (podiatry, orthotics and/or orthopaedics) and care received, measures of impact (Foot Impact Scale) and ability to work.ResultsOf 1003 total eligible patients in the target population, 739 were posted survey packs. Of these 413 (56%) replied. Responders and non-responders had similar age (63.5 yr. vs.61.5 yr), gender (74.1%F vs. 75.2%F), and highest deprivation category (13.3% vs.15.9%). Of the responders 92.1% reported current foot problems: articular 73.8%, cutaneous lesions 65.4%, structural 57.6%, extra-articular 42.6%. Responders’ median (IQR) disease duration 10 (5–20) years, HAQ 1.5 (0.75–2.0), FISIF 10 (6–14) and FISAP 16 (7–23) and 37.8% reported impacts on work. While 69.5% had accessed foot care there were differences in the route of access (by gender and whether independent or NHS provision) and were older (64.9 yr. vs 60.4 yr. p = 0.001), had longer disease duration (12 yr. vs 7 yr. p < 0.001) and had a greater proportion of females (72.2% vs 61.7% p = 0.04) than those who had not accessed care.ConclusionsCurrent foot problems were reported by 92.1% of the study sample and substantially impacted on life and work. While overall access to foot care was higher than anticipated, routes of access differed and extent of current problems suggests the provision of effective, timely and targeted care is a pressing need.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13047-017-0229-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Elusive but Painful Subtalar Joint in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Foot pain is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from forefoot involvement in early RA to later involvement of the hind foot. Foot and ankle involvement can lead to reduced walking distance and affect quality of life 1 . The prevalence of hind foot pain was estimated at 17% in early RA and up to 52% in patients with established RA 2 .…”

Foot Pain and Morphofunctional Foot Disorders in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…One of the most prevalent pathologies in patients with RA is a rearfoot valgus misalignment, which may be associated with other foot problems (such as those previously mentioned) and symptoms [11]. In addition, flatness of the longitudinal arch is frequently observed, as well as extra-articular manifestations, such as bursitis, nodules, hyperkeratosis and ulcers [7] (Figure 1). In 2020, Mochizuki et al found a prevalence of calloses of 31.2% in RA patients [6].…”

“…Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5042 2 of 11 published in 2017, 91.2% of people diagnosed with RA reported foot problems, 73.8% of them being an articular origin [7].…”

Ultrasound of Subtalar Joint Synovitis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of an OMERACT Reliability Exercise Using Consensual Definitions

“…The extent of reported foot problems in patients with RA suggests that the provision of effective, timely, and targeted care is essential to prevent deformity and maintain mobility. Measures to prevent or delay the progression of STJ valgus deformity in RA must combine management of both the synovitis and any underlying mechanical dysfunction 4,5,6,7 .…”