Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Feet: What to Expect and How t relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the feet in over 90% of patients with the disease — often in the forefoot first, before other joints. Early podiatric management and appropriate footwear can significantly reduce the disability that foot RA causes and delay or prevent the need for surgical reconstruction.
How RA Affects the Feet
The synovial inflammation that characterizes RA attacks joints, tendons, and ligaments of the foot systematically:
Forefoot (Most Common First Site)
- Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) synovitis — painful swelling of the ball-of-foot joints, particularly 2nd through 5th MTPs; characteristic “windlass” or “splaying” deformity as joint capsules are destroyed
- Hallux valgus (bunion) — accelerated bunion deformity from MTP joint destruction and ligament laxity
- Hammertoes — flexor/extensor tendon imbalance from joint destruction and subluxation produces progressive hammertoe deformities of all lesser digits
- Metatarsalgia and plantar prominences — metatarsal head subluxation with fat pad displacement produces severe plantar forefoot pain and callus formation
Hindfoot and Ankle
- Subtalar and talonavicular arthritis — produces flatfoot collapse (adult-acquired flatfoot) and hindfoot pain with walking
- Tibiotalar (ankle) arthritis — less common initially but can progress to require ankle replacement or fusion in advanced RA
- Peroneal and posterior tibial tenosynovitis — inflammatory tendon sheath involvement causes tendon pain and can progress to tendon rupture
The Podiatric Role in RA Foot Management
Custom Orthotics and Therapeutic Footwear
The most impactful podiatric intervention for RA feet is protective footwear and custom orthotics. Extra-depth shoes with removable insoles accommodate RA foot deformities, metatarsal pads offload inflamed MTP joints, and accommodative orthotics redistribute plantar pressure away from subluxated metatarsal heads. These interventions are documented to reduce pain and improve walking tolerance.
Nail and Callus Management
RA medications (methotrexate, biologics) suppress the immune system, increasing infection risk from even minor skin breaks. Professional nail trimming and callus debridement in patients with RA reduces wound risk and should be performed regularly.
Corticosteroid Injections
Intra-articular cortisone injections into inflamed MTP joints, the ankle, or subtalar joint provide symptomatic relief during flares and can reduce the frequency of systemic medication escalation for foot-specific symptoms.
Surgical Management
Forefoot reconstruction (metatarsal head resections, hammertoe correction, first MTP fusion) is considered when forefoot deformity causes chronic pain and wound formation despite maximal conservative care. Ankle and subtalar arthrodesis addresses end-stage hindfoot disease. Surgical planning in RA patients requires coordination with rheumatology to optimize disease control perioperatively.
RA Affecting Your Feet? Protect Them Early.
Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides specialized foot care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis — from custom orthotics to surgical consultation. Medicare and most insurances accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Care in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
RA affecting your feet and ankles? Our podiatrists work alongside your rheumatologist to manage foot deformities, pain, and mobility issues with specialized podiatric care.
Explore Custom Orthotic Solutions for RA → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Woodburn J, et al. A randomized controlled trial of foot orthoses in rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology, 2002;29(7):1377-1383.
- Grondal L, et al. The foot: still the most important reason for walking incapacity in rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Orthopaedica, 2008;79(2):257-261.
- Stolt M, et al. Foot health and self-care activities of older people in home care. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2012;21(21-22):3082-3095.
Insurance Accepted
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Arthritis Essentials
Cushioned Running Shoe
Hoka Clifton 10 — max cushioning reduces joint impact for arthritic feet.
Wide Walking Shoe
New Balance 990v6 — wide toe box accommodates arthritic first-MTP (hallux rigidus).
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Foot and ankle arthritis progresses silently — cartilage doesn’t regrow, but joint fusion, cheilectomy, and biologic injections can restore function at every stage. Balance Foot & Ankle offers the full arthritis spectrum: bracing, injections, and reconstructive surgery. Start with a consult so we can image the joint and give you a realistic 5-year outlook.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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Podiatrist-recommended products
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
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Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Cushioned support for RA feet.
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Accommodates deformities.
View on Amazon →Pressure redistribution.
View on Amazon →For forefoot deformity.
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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)
☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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