Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet

Picture of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot

Rheumatoid arthritis may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in foot joints. If the disease progresses, joints may become distorted and disabled. Pain and tenderness is common under the ball of the foot. The joints between the foot and the toes (metatarsophalangeal joints) swell and move, causing the toes to curl and overlap. The big toe may bend inward (hallux valgus). The middle toes may bend into a claw-shaped curl (hammer toe).

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerNancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
Last RevisedJune 5, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 5, 2012
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology

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