Arthritis and gout

LOWER LIMB RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS AND GOUT

Arthritis is a disease that causes joints to become stiff and inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the tissue that cushions and lines the joints. It commonly affects feet, ankles, knees, with toes being the smaller joints usually the first to suffer.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear – the cartilage in a joint deteriorates causing bones to rub together resulting in stiffness and pain. Big toes and knees are the lower limb joints most commonly affected.

Gout

An imbalance of uric acid in the body causes gout that leads to joints becoming inflamed and stiff. The main symptom is acute pain in the big toe at night, which is swollen. Ice on the affected area can give some relief but the pain will usually only last for a few hours and then not be experienced for some months. Gout can cause deformity within the foot that can lead to painful corns and callus, and make toenail cutting difficult.

Treatments for gout

Removing corns and callus helps alleviate the pain associated with gout.  In addition to removing corns and callus, symptoms are helped by changing footwear and  protective shields or padding for your toes to relieve rubbing and pressure. insoles may also help, as they staibilise walking and minimise pressure on affected joints.