Conservative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis in the foot and ankle.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that attacks peripheral joints, causing their destruction. Several pharmacologic therapies and physical modalities are available for its treatment. Because of the progressive nature of RA, complementary and alternative medicine therapy in conjunction with conventional medicine is administered to patients with RA. This article discusses the presence of undiagnosed RA in the foot and ankle and reviews the concurrent nonoperative measures in treatment, including pharmacologic and physical modalities.
Anain
Joseph M
JM
Department of Podiatry, Catholic Health System, Sisters Hospital, 2157 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. JMANAIN@aol.com
Bojrab
Angela R
AR
Rhinehart
Francine C
FC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001452:Balneology; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents