title: Common foot problems in the arthritic patient.
abstract: The various arthridities, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, are a significant cause of pain in the foot. Symptoms may be due mainly to arthritis, but also may be complicated and even initiated by abnormal biomechanics of the foot. This article discusses the various arthritidities-osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic and non-specific arthritis-and how they affect the foot. By initiating appropriate conservative or surgical treatment in the arthritic disease's early stages, family physicians can prevent serious deformities from developing in the foot.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Prost