myRAteam

Yes, RA can lead to nerve-related symptoms in the feet. Between 10% and 20% of people with RA develop peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation — often starting in the feet and toes. There are a few reasons this can happen with RA:

- Inflammation Show Full Answer

Yes, RA can lead to nerve-related symptoms in the feet. Between 10% and 20% of people with RA develop peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation — often starting in the feet and toes. There are a few reasons this can happen with RA:

- Inflammation and joint swelling can compress nearby nerves, a condition called nerve entrapment (like tarsal tunnel syndrome in the ankle area)
- Anti-CCP antibodies — immune proteins common in RA — are strongly linked to peripheral neuropathy
- Inflamed blood vessels (vasculitis) can reduce blood flow to nerves, causing damage
- Some RA medications, such as leflunomide or anti-TNF-alpha treatments, have been associated with neuropathy in rare cases A myRAteam member described the experience this way: "Your feet are numb to feeling, yet there is awful nerve pain."

If any new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet is noticed, it's really important to bring it up with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Catching it early can make a big difference in managing symptoms effectively.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Peripheral Neuropathy