Rheumatoid Arthritis and Feet
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, chronic disease that usually first develops in the joints of the hands and feet, although it can, and often does, affect multiple joints in the rest of the body. Researchers have discovered that the feet usually suffer more extensive and earlier damage than the hands, and unfortunately, more than 90% of people afflicted with RA will develop symptoms in their feet and ankle at some point in time. A hallmark of this type of arthritis is that it often strikes the same joints on both sides of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis is classed as an autoimmune disease, which effectively means that the immune system turns on itself and begins an attack on its own system; in the case of RA healthy cartilage, ligament, and soft bone tissues come under attack. The joints are particularly susceptible to damage as the synovial lining that covers, protects, and lubricates them becomes swollen and inflamed, eventually destroying not only the joint but the supporting tissues and ligaments as well.
This deterioration of ligaments and tendons can also lead to secondary issues such as the development of hammer toes or osteopenia (softening of the bone). Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis negatively impacts tissues throughout the body, so even if the feet are primarily affected damage will likely also occur to blood vessels, nerves and tendons outside of the immediate area. The most common symptoms of RA include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, which usually starts in the hands and/or feet.
There is no one cause of rheumatoid arthritis but it seems likely that some people are more inherently prone to inflammation and the destruction that it brings. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of RA, as some foods (such as those that are high in trans-fats and sugars) are known to provoke inflammatory reactions in the body. Being overweight is another major cause of inflammation throughout the body, and this can have serious consequences on overall health, including increased risk of developing arthritis.
Because of the high incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet care should be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition in the first place. Scientists have recently discovered that wearing high heels may be a major contributor in the development of some types of arthritis. The problem with this type of shoe is that it creates a steep angle between the heel of the foot and the ball of the foot, which places the foot, ankle and knee joints under excessive and unorthodox pressure, which can cause excessive inflammation that may produce the same results as the damage that occurs from an attack from an autoimmune disease. And as previously mentioned lifestyle factors are also a major concern.
By addressing risky lifestyle choices and maintaining healthy feet the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis may be mitigated. Eating properly, wearing supportive shoes and attending to pain in the feet are all solid steps to maintaining good health right into advanced age. Contrary to popular belief, rheumatoid arthritis is not a normal part of the aging process and steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is classed as an autoimmune disease, which effectively means that the immune system turns on itself and begins an attack on its own system; in the case of RA healthy cartilage, ligament, and soft bone tissues come under attack. The joints are particularly susceptible to damage as the synovial lining that covers, protects, and lubricates them becomes swollen and inflamed, eventually destroying not only the joint but the supporting tissues and ligaments as well.
This deterioration of ligaments and tendons can also lead to secondary issues such as the development of hammer toes or osteopenia (softening of the bone). Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis negatively impacts tissues throughout the body, so even if the feet are primarily affected damage will likely also occur to blood vessels, nerves and tendons outside of the immediate area. The most common symptoms of RA include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, which usually starts in the hands and/or feet.
There is no one cause of rheumatoid arthritis but it seems likely that some people are more inherently prone to inflammation and the destruction that it brings. Lifestyle factors may also contribute to the development of RA, as some foods (such as those that are high in trans-fats and sugars) are known to provoke inflammatory reactions in the body. Being overweight is another major cause of inflammation throughout the body, and this can have serious consequences on overall health, including increased risk of developing arthritis.
Because of the high incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet care should be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition in the first place. Scientists have recently discovered that wearing high heels may be a major contributor in the development of some types of arthritis. The problem with this type of shoe is that it creates a steep angle between the heel of the foot and the ball of the foot, which places the foot, ankle and knee joints under excessive and unorthodox pressure, which can cause excessive inflammation that may produce the same results as the damage that occurs from an attack from an autoimmune disease. And as previously mentioned lifestyle factors are also a major concern.
By addressing risky lifestyle choices and maintaining healthy feet the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis may be mitigated. Eating properly, wearing supportive shoes and attending to pain in the feet are all solid steps to maintaining good health right into advanced age. Contrary to popular belief, rheumatoid arthritis is not a normal part of the aging process and steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.
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