title: A new podiatry service for patients with arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to identify the impact of a new podiatric rheumatology service on reducing foot pain, impairment and disability in patients with foot problems associated with rheumatic disease, and to report on patient satisfaction with the service.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study of 245 patients with rheumatic disease at Counties Manukau DHB was conducted. Foot pain, impairment and disability were measured using a self-reporting patient outcome measure, the Foot Function Index. A range of podiatric interventions were reported. A self-administered, postal patient satisfaction questionnaire was sent to 148 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over two-thirds of patients were observed with hallux valgus (bunions). The results demonstrate a significant reduction in foot pain (p<0.001) from initial visit to second visit (18% reduction in pain). A significant decrease in foot disability (p=0.04) was found from initial visit to second visit. No significant differences were seen with foot impairment (p=0.78). A variety of intervention measures were used with 24% of patients being prescribed foot orthoses and 28% of patients given footwear advice. The patient satisfaction survey found 84% of patients reported they were satisfied with the new service and 80% of patients reported that the service helped with their foot problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current service meets the needs of patients who suffer from rheumatological foot conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The need for good foot education, provision of foot orthoses and advice on footwear are crucial to reduce the burden on patients with rheumatological foot conditions.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Discipline of Podiatry, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. krome@aut.ac.nz
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rome
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Erikson
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gow
authors.forename: Hazra
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sahid
authors.forename: Anita E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011032:Podiatry; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D012219:Rheumatology