Are you suffering from joint pains? The ones where you feel excruciating inflammation? It is not something to ignore!

Arthritis is a common disease that has been affecting middle-aged adults for ages. Rheumatoid arthritis foot pain is caused due to the inflammation of the lining of the joints in the feet. The symptoms include swelling of the feet, redness, and burning sensations around the areas of the joints affected. Mostly, this can be seen around the forefoot (specifically near the toes) where the patient feels a sense of stiffness, inability to walk, immense pain, swelling, and other deformities.

How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Hurt Your Foot?

There are 30 joints in your feet that can be affected by arthritis. These joints are adversely affected as the disease creeps into your system. Around 90% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis experience swelling of joints in the feet and ankles. The swelling, although intermittent, can cause permanent damage to the joints. It can completely alter the biomechanics of the feet while you walk and move.

The joints in the feet and the ankle is called synovial joints. Around these flexible joints is a thin membrane called synovium. This membrane is responsible for producing clear, viscous fluids called synovial fluids. Synovial fluids are dedicated to providing nourishment and lubricating the joints to help during movements. If you are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, your body's autoimmune system will malfunction, affecting the healthy bones in the following ways:

• White blood cells, also known as leucocytes, are released to invade the joints of the ankle and feet.

• The leucocytes initiate an array of biochemical changes at the joints, which causes inflammation. This is called synovitis.

• As the attack continues, the swollen synovium layer produces numerous cells over the joint. The abnormal increase in the cell layer is called pannus.

• The pannus makes its way between the bones, releasing proteins. These activities affect the cartilages and degrade them rapidly.

• The extra fluid created by the pannus initiates the swelling of the joints, making it painful for the patients.

The parts of the feet that are actively attacked by rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are the meeting point of the long metatarsal bones and the toes. This joint is often directly affected by arthritis. The knuckles of the toes are also joints that are found to be adversely affected by the disease. It is precisely the joints where the toe bones meet with each other.

• Some joints which form parts of the ankle, such as fibula, shin's tibia, the meeting point of the heel, and the seven tarsal bones of the mid-foot, along with the elongated metatarsal bones are found to be victims of rheumatoid arthritis.

• The subtalar region, which is the meeting point of the bones of the feet and the leg bones, is affected by this disease as well. The joints of the heel bones can be excruciating as the arthritis creeps into your physiological system.

How to Defeat Rheumatoid Arthritis

All patients adversely affected by this disease should actively seek rheumatoid arthritis foot pain relief. The pain imposed by the swelling of feet affects day-to-day activities, and it is essential that you address this issue as soon as possible. Several therapies can be used to handle this severe malfunctioning of your system. Some of the means which can help you get cured include:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps to strengthen the weakened joints by stretching them. It also allows you to take part in some activities with your feet. Alongside physical therapies, you can also try the following ways for pain relief:

• Tender massages for your foot: This is an effective method to keep your feet joints pliable and active. A good foot massage helps to maintain a systematic flow of the blood, which is essential in keeping the pain away.

• A collection of comfortable footwear: If you have arthritis, you should avoid wearing any heels. Heels can cause severe pain to your ankle, making it even more uncomfortable. Shoes with a soft base, such as rockers, can soothe your feet as you walk.

• Don't forget to exercise: Movement in the joints can actually help in relieving the stress in your feet if done in moderation. Walking can be an excellent exercise to keep your joints active and blood flowing. Always consult your physician before exercising.

• Cold and warm footbaths: Putting your feet in cold and warm baths can help to maintain blood circulation in the body. The cold water can help decrease the inflammation and swelling of the feet, thereby relieving the pain.

It's time to call the doctor

In cases of severe rheumatoid arthritis, it is advisable that you consult a doctor and seek medical help. There are various therapeutic methods which you can find through your physician, such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medicine: These medicines provided by your physician help to relieve the swelling. The inflammation can be reduced considerably when the drugs are taken in the right dosage.

• Consult a foot specialist: Foot specialists can give you proper medical advice, including exercises required for relieving the pain. They can also suggest the appropriate footwear, which can help you walk more comfortably.

• Surgical treatments: In severe cases of arthritis, medications are not enough to provide relief. When medications and exercises do not suffice, it is time for surgical treatments. Doctors can advise you to adopt fusion, which binds two bones mechanically using metal or plastic pins. Resection involves surgical removal of cartilage and some bones, creating space for the joints. Another surgical method includes joint replacement, where the joints are removed and replaced with plastic models.

An Annoying Pain in Your Feet!

Rheumatoid arthritis foot pain relief is essential for having a healthy, functional life. Arthritis can severely damage your joints and bones, making it difficult to move. Thus, follow the above tips if you are looking for ways to relieve the pain.