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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can rheumatoid arthritis start worse in your feet/ankles first? Before other joints.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
St. Catharines, ON

The reason I am asking is based on the results of my bilateral hand/wrist ultrasound (done on October 29) and bilateral foot/ankles ulatrasound (done on October 30). So I can know if there is any questions I might want to add to my list symptoms and questions to bring up at my next rheumatologist on December 20.

On October 28 I had a renal/pelvic ultrasound done, on November 5 I had an updated left forearm x-ray to check on my healing from my broken arm. (shared these results as well)

Results… read more

November 6, 2024
 · 
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A myRAteam Member

Arthritis can start anywhere in the body, especially when you have had an injury or trauma.
All the places I’ve broken bones there is arthritis developed in X-rays thru the yrs. So from 14 yrs of age on first break to 63 yrs . last break.
It can be managed ☺️

November 6, 2024
myRAteam

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can start in the feet and ankles before affecting other joints. In about 20% of RA patients, foot and ankle symptoms are the first signs of the disease. Here are some key points to consider for your upcoming rheumatologist appointment on December 20:

Key Points to Discuss
- Foot and Ankle Show Full Answer

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can start in the feet and ankles before affecting other joints. In about 20% of RA patients, foot and ankle symptoms are the first signs of the disease. Here are some key points to consider for your upcoming rheumatologist appointment on December 20:

Key Points to Discuss:
- Foot and Ankle Symptoms:
- Mild avascular synovial thickening in the 2nd-4th MTP joints bilaterally.
- Suspected left tibiotalar and anterior talofibular ligamentous strain.
- Thickening of the right plantar fascia and suspected small intrasubstance tear.
- Bilateral plantar fibromas.

- Hand and Wrist Symptoms:
- Negative synovitis survey.
- Mildly thickened right median nerve.

- Other Medical Conditions:
- Overlap symptoms with IBS, GERD, and Sjogren’s Syndrome.
- Nodules found on CT scan (right lower lobe lung and right adrenal gland).

- Recent Imaging Results:
- Renal/pelvic ultrasound: Mild malrotation of the right kidney, prominent column of Bertin in the left kidney.
- Left forearm x-ray: Healing status of distal metadiaphyseal fracture.

Questions to Consider:
- Could the foot and ankle symptoms indicate early RA involvement?
- Are there specific treatments or exercises for the foot and ankle issues?
- Should additional tests be done to confirm the suspected ligamentous strain and plantar fascia tear?
- How to manage the overlap symptoms with IBS, GERD, and Sjogren’s Syndrome?
- What follow-up is needed for the nodules found on the CT scan?

Additional Notes:
- Ensure to bring up all your symptoms, medical conditions, and current medications.
- Discuss the results from your recent ultrasounds and x-rays in detail.

This comprehensive approach will help you cover all necessary aspects during your appointment.

November 6, 2024

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