Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be at increased risk for rheumatoid forefoot deformities, such as bunions, metatarsalgia, and hammertoes. These conditions can cause the foot to flatten, the toes to move out of alignment, or a large knot to form on the side of the foot. These conditions can be very painful and can make it difficult to walk or even wear shoes.
Princeton Orthopaedic Associates can treat all of these conditions. We offer a variety of treatment options, depending on your issue and its severity. We can treat rheumatoid forefoot deformities from diagnosis to treatment to recovery.
Rheumatoid forefoot deformities are the result of joint inflammation, loosening ligaments, and degeneration of the cartilage in the joint. Treatment will depend on the cause, the type of deformity, and the severity. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate pain and restore the normal look and alignment of the foot.
Treatment can range from a change in shoes and the addition of orthotics to surgery. Surgery can include the Hoffman Procedure, joint fusion, or joint arthrodesis. Most patients who have surgery can walk and wear shoes without pain once they’ve recovered from the surgery.
Recovery times can vary, depending on the deformity being treated and the severity of that deformity. Some surgeries result in a recovery time of 4-6 weeks. For others, it can take several months for the foot to heal completely. Once repaired, the deformities rarely recur, and patients are able to enjoy life without pain.
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