Clinical rheumatology
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Clinical rheumatology · Mar 2010
Foot pain in rheumatoid arthritis prevalence, risk factors and management: an epidemiological study.
Foot involvement is a major feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most epidemiological studies of the RA foot report radiological changes and results of clinical examination. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of foot symptoms, frequency of foot assessment and access to foot care from the perspective of people with RA. ⋯ Most patients had discussed their symptoms with their rheumatologist, and only 64% had specifically seen a podiatrist. Despite the remarkable progress in development of new treatment modalities for RA, foot pain remains a common and disabling symptom. Our findings support the need for wider access to specific foot care services and evidence-based, patient-centred interventions.