Unlike other forms of arthritis caused by wear and tear, RA is a systemic inflammatory disease in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints, causing them to swell. The primary targets are often the small joints in your hands and feet, and often the first signs can be detected there. (Valium)

The swelling that occurs in your joints, and the resulting damage, may cause toes to bend and stiffen—that is, they cause of case of hammertoes (or a related problem, such as claw toes) to develop.

As with any other cause, hammertoes as a result of RA are treated first using conservative methods, which do not “correct” the deformity but may bring significant symptom relief. Should these procedures be ineffective, surgical correction may be considered.

Of course, this only addresses a consequence of RA, rather than the fundamental condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but you can control pain through shoe modifications, medication, stretching, and exercise. Our office can help you with that, too, including fitting you for orthotics or guiding you through a physical therapy routine.