Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disorders Foot Care Checks

Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disorders covers a spectrum of painful inflammatory related conditions that commonly involve the foot and ankle.

In Dalkey Podiatry Clinic our Podiatrists are skilled in assessing and treating an array of complications associated with Rheumatology and CTD conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout, Psoriatic Arthritis, Polymyalgia, Vasculitis, Anchylosing Spondylitis, Raynaud’s and Scleroderma, Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

In 2011 Arthritis Research UK published a research document by Philip Helliwell, Heidi Siddle and Anthony Redmond discussed the high prevalence of foot and ankle symptoms in people with rheumatic disease. It concluded that “management of foot and ankle problems in rheumatic disease requires control of inflammation, is crucial in minimising damage, complex biomechanical demands placed on the foot by weight bearing and walking have to be taken into account when managing foot problems and effective treatment strategies aim to minimise these stresses as well”. (Helliwell et al 2011)

Therefore, at Dalkey Podiatry Clinic we see the importance of keeping patients with these conditions mobile and want to help improve their quality of life. If you have any of the above Rheumatology conditions and have not had a foot check in the last 12 months click to book now. The check up will include assessing the following:

Using the “Look, Feel, Move” model

• Observation of the overall structure of the foot, progressing: bones, joints, soft tissue and skin.
• Palpation of regions of interest: – bones, joints, soft tissue, skin.
• Move the relevant functional units to assess range of motion: – ankle, subtalar joint, midfoot, metatarsophalangeal joints, interphalangeal joints.
• Blood flow to the feet (circulation)
• Feeling and reflexes (nerves)
• Toenails
• Dryness, calluses, corns, cracks or infections

Our Podiatrists will aim to assist you and establish a care plan for regular treatment and management of your condition involving: – Routine Chiropody Care, Biomechanical assessment and footwear, orthotic advice and prescription.

Complex foot disorders

Your foot’s structure can be affected by diseases of the autoimmune, vascular, nervous and musculoskeletal systems, potentially causing foot deformities that affect sensation, mobility and result in painful and sore feet.

At Dalkey Podiatry Clinic we understand feet and the complex way they work.  Every foot is different and at Dalkey Podiatry Clinic, our qualified podiatrists have expertise in the management of collapsed feet, high arches, pigeon toes, wound care, bone fractures and neurological diseases affecting the lower legs.

We have access to a number of conservative treatment modalities including orthotics and orthopedic footwear.