Your feet may be small compared to the rest of your body, but they often carry the first signs of serious systemic conditions, especially autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis. We believe that podiatry and rheumatology go hand-in-hand (or foot-in-hand!) when it comes to early detection, management, and improving your quality of life.
Autoimmune diseases often have a complex presentation. They affect the joints, soft tissues, and connective tissues in similar ways to other diseases in the feet and their identification is often about building up a picture of the signs and symptoms that you have been experiencing.
Signs that we often identify are:
As podiatrists we are trained to determine if these signs might be related to autoimmune disease, if we suspect that they are we will request blood tests and further assessment to enable a formal diagnosis to be made.
Common Autoimmune Conditions That Affect the Feet:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Up to 90% of people with RA experience foot problems when the disease is poorly controlled due to inflammation and joint changes. It is important for this group to wear good supportive shoes to prevent joint changes..
Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition can lead to changes in the nails and skin as well as inflammation of tendons and ligaments, especially around the heel (enthesitis). Early podiatric care helps manage these issues and preserve mobility.
Gout: This frequently affects the big toe, leading to sudden, intense pain and swelling and over time, joint changes. Podiatrists assist in both acute treatment and long-term foot care.
Lupus: Circulatory issues and joint pain in Lupus often show up in the feet. Podiatrists can monitor circulation, skin integrity and prevent complications and infections.
Podiatrists can help patients with auto immune disease and foot problems prevent joint damage, support them with footwear choices, prescribe custom orthotics, and provide non-surgical interventions to reduce inflammation and pain such as corticosteroid injections.
Tips for Patients with Autoimmune related Foot Problems:
• Don’t ignore foot pain, it could be an early sign of systemic illness.
• Invest in supportive footwear and consider custom orthotics.
• Maintain regular podiatric check-ups, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with a rheumatologic condition.
• Keep a symptom diary and share it with your care team.
Foot pain is never just “part of getting older.” If your feet are trying to tell you something, we’re here to listen, and help.
We are committed to supporting patients living with autoimmune conditions through expert foot care that complements broader medical management.
If you’re experiencing foot pain, stiffness, or swelling, especially alongside other joint symptoms, schedule a consultation with us today. Your feet might be the first step toward better health.