Rheumatologic view of the rheumatoid foot.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common systemic disease that affects between 0.3% and 1.5% of the general population worldwide. In 1988, it was estimated by the National Arthritis Foundation that there were 4 to 6 million cases of rheumatoid arthritis in the United States. There is general agreement that the feet are a major source of pain and disability at some point in the course of the illness. The frequency of involvement of the feet among 1000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis studied by Vainio was 91% in females and 85% in males. The clinical features and pathogenesis of the rheumatoid foot and an approach to initial nonsurgical treatment will be discussed.