Rheumatoid arthritis patients 'at risk of foot ulcers'
New research has suggested that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to suffer from foot ulcers.
A team from the University of Leeds published its findings in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.
The study involved 1,130 patients with RA and the team used clinical examination, case-note review, and contact with health professionals to assess the prevalence of foot ulcers.
Once the data was analysed, the team reported that the overall prevalence of foot ulceration was 9.73 per cent.
They added that the most common sites for ulceration were the dorsal aspect of hammer toes, the metatarsal heads and the metatarsophalangeal joint.
As a result, Dr Jill Firth and the rest of the team concluded: "Foot ulceration affects a significant proportion of patients with RA. Further work is needed to establish risk factors for foot ulceration in RA and to target foot health provision more effectively."
In a separate interview with Reuters Health, Dr Firth added: "Foot ulceration affects one in ten patients with RA and is often a recurrent problem affecting multiple sites in the foot.
"Clinical examination should include looking for early signs of tissue damage and intervening before ulceration occurs."
An Arthritis Research Campaign, which funds a substantial amount of podiatric research at the University of Leeds, said: “"Foot problems are extremely common in people with RA but these problems are often overlooked."
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