Rheumatism can cause your feet to change shape. For example, due to deformities or a change in the position of the foot. As a result, shoes often do not fit as well. This can lead to pressure sores, calluses, corns and minor wounds.

The change in the position of your feet may also cause you to walk differently. This can lead to problems with your knees, hips or back.

Foot problems associated with rheumatism can have various causes. Rheumatism is a collective term for conditions that can affect joints, muscles, tendons and other tissues. Not everyone with rheumatism experiences foot problems, but changes in the body can cause the feet to bear weight differently.

In some forms of rheumatism, inflammation, stiffness or changes in joints and tissues can affect the feet. For example:

Osteoarthritis causes changes to the cartilage in the joints. This can make the joints stiffer and less flexible.
In inflammatory rheumatism, joints can become inflamed. This can affect the alignment and strain on the feet.
If you experience symptoms affecting the muscles, tendons or ligaments surrounding the joints, movement and physical exertion may feel different. An example of this is fibromyalgia.

These changes can alter the pressure, strain and movement in the feet. This can cause foot problems to develop or worsen.

Rheumatism affects everyone differently. However, there are certain characteristics of the feet and ankles that are common to many people with rheumatism:

Pain when standing and walking;
Shoes don’t fit as well;
At a later stage, the base may change form;
Lumps under the foot caused by changes in the position of the bones. This can cause pain, calluses and sores;
Toes that become misaligned or overlap. This can lead to hammer toes, claw toes, corns or calluses;
A wider forefoot. This can lead to pressure sores on the inside and outside of the foot;
Fluid build-up in the foot or ankle. The joints may then be swollen;
Inflammation of the foot joints or irritation of the tendons and ligaments around the foot joints.

We refer to these symptoms collectively as ‘rheumatic foot’.

In addition to these symptoms, other problems may also arise. For example, thinner skin, wounds that become infected more easily and slow (wound) healing. This may be due to the disease itself or to the use of medication.

A healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on how someone with a rheumatic foot copes and how they experience their symptoms. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, not smoking and exercising regularly can help maintain fitness, muscle strength and day-to-day functioning. It is important to exercise in a way that suits your body’s capabilities and to allow sufficient time for recovery.

Also mental health plays a part. Long-term pain, fatigue or uncertainty about symptoms can affect how you feel and how much energy you have. Stress and tension can make symptoms feel more severe or make recovery feel more difficult. Our lifestyle coaches can help you develop healthy habits and find a balance that suits your situation.

It helps to take symptoms seriously and to strike a good balance between exercise and rest. Stopping exercise altogether is usually not necessary, but carrying on too much can actually make symptoms worse.

For example, you could:

keep exercising regularly in a way that suits your symptoms;
wear good, supportive shoes;
vary your activities and take plenty of breaks;
check your feet daily for any changes or pressure sores;
take pain and tiredness into account when planning your day;
eating healthily, getting enough sleep and not smoking;
Seek advice if your symptoms persist or change.

You don’t have to change everything all at once. Even small adjustments to your daily habits can help reduce the strain on your feet and keep you moving comfortably.

Our podiatrists We’ll work with you to assess your symptoms, your feet and what you need to be able to move more easily. We’ll discuss what factors are affecting your symptoms and which treatment is best suited to your needs.

Treatment may consist of:

podiatry insoles to distribute pressure more evenly and relieve pressure on sensitive areas;
orthoses to reduce or help prevent pressure sores;
advice on shoes that suit your feet and the way you move;
advice on exercise and daily activities;
advice on foot care and preventing new problems.

When extra care is needed for the skin or nails, our pedicures support. People with rheumatism may find that their feet are more prone to pressure sores, minor wounds or changes to the skin and nails. Regular pedicure care can help to reduce symptoms and prevent problems as far as possible.

Rondom Shoes

Good shoes can prevent many ailments. At Rondom Schoenen We’ll help you choose shoes that suit your feet and your everyday life. This will help you reduce any discomfort and prevent new problems as much as possible.

At Rondom Schoenen, we use our knowledge and experience to put together a suitable range of shoes. In doing so, we take into account different foot shapes, needs and styles. We ensure there is a sufficient choice of good-quality shoes, across various price ranges.

Rondom Schoenen also has a knowledge base! Here you will find tips and information to help you choose the right shoes.

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