36. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Of the rheumatic inflammatory conditions affecting the foot (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and gout), rheumatoid arthritis is the commonest. While the origin remains uncertain, viral and immunological etiologies have been proposed, it is known to affect all peoples commonly living in damp or temperate climates. Women aged 30–40 years are affected most commonly (75% of cases). The inflammatory condition involves the connective tissue, generally leading to extremely incapacitating arthropathies. Most authors agree that the foot is affected in 80%–96% of cases.