Introduction
Ankle and foot pain and swelling are the most typical signs of autoimmune disorders affecting the lower extremities. People with autoimmune illnesses are more likely to get foot infections, which frequently take longer to recover as their immune systems are repressed. To learn more about the common autoimmune disorders that affect the feet, read this article.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
The immune system, a sophisticated network of unique cells and organs in the human body, protects against pathogens and other outside invaders. The immune system's fundamental function is to distinguish between self and non-self, or what is native to a person and what is from outside. The body's inability to distinguish between self and non-self may be caused by a defect. This results in the body producing autoantibodies that unintentionally target healthy cells.
Simultaneously, regulatory T cells (a unique type of immune cell) fail to maintain the balance of the immune system. A misdirected attack on one's own body is the outcome. Damage, known as autoimmune disease, is caused by this. This depends on the type of autoimmune conditions and which body parts are affected. Over 80 varieties of autoimmune conditions are known to exist.
How Common Are Autoimmune Conditions?
In general, about 23.5 million people suffer from autoimmune conditions, with women accounting for nearly 80 percent of cases. They are a major contributor to both death and disability. While some autoimmune disorders, like Hashimoto's disease, are uncommon, others impact a large number of people.
What Are the Autoimmune Conditions That Affect the Feet?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
A persistent condition that affects several joints across the body is rheumatoid arthritis. It typically begins in the tiny joints of the hands and feet and impacts the same joints on both sides of the human body. More than 90 percent of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience foot and ankle symptoms during their illness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more than just a bone and joint condition. It damages tendons, nerve cells, and blood vessels besides other tissues in the body. The more noticeable symptoms of RA include deformities of the hands and feet. The disease initially manifests as foot and ankle problems in approximately 20 percent of individuals.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
In systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system targets its tissues, resulting in extensive tissue destruction and inflammation in the impacted organs. It may impact the blood vessels, brain, lungs, kidneys, joints, and skin. Although there is no known cure for lupus, it can be managed with medication and a lifestyle change.
A wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, rashes on the skin, fevers, and joint discomfort or swelling, can be experienced by people with systemic lupus erythematosus. In certain individuals, flare-ups (a term for episodes of SLE symptoms) may occur periodically, sometimes even years apart, and disappear during other periods, known as remissions. Some people, however, may flare up with SLE more frequently throughout their lives.
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Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis, a persistent skin and nail disease. Dense, pitted fingernails and red, scaly rashes are symptoms of psoriasis. In terms of symptoms and joint swelling (inflammation), psoriatic arthritis is comparable to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it often affects fewer joints than RA. Furthermore, it does not produce the usual RA antibodies. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in three out of every 20 to three out of every 10 psoriasis sufferers.
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Scleroderma
Skin and internal connective tissue can become hard in individuals with an uncommon disease known as scleroderma. Patients may have skin thickening and hardening on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body as a result of systemic sclerosis. Thick, stiff connective tissue can also develop inside the body as a result of systemic sclerosis. Patches of thicker skin are typical in scleroderma patients, and they can appear on the feet, usually on the dorsum of the foot.
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Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a rare autoimmune condition. It is characterized by inflammation of all kinds of blood vessels. The symptoms of vasculitis include purpuric rashes, lumps or ulcerations on the skin, headaches with altered vision, coughing, shortness of breath, and weakness or numbness in the hands or feet. Certain people may experience tiredness, sinus and nasal issues, or joint pain.
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Sjogren’s Syndrome
The glands in the body responsible for producing saliva and tears are especially impacted by the inflammation associated with Sjogren's syndrome. The mouth and eyes get dry as a result. Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include a wide range of neurological system problems. One significant one is small fiber neuropathy or impairment to the peripheral nerves. The hands and feet are typically affected by peripheral neuropathy, which can also produce tingling, burning, weakness, and pain.
How to Manage Autoimmune Conditions That Affect the Feet?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis - Many therapeutic options are available to help individuals manage pain, stay active, and lead satisfying lives, even though there is no known cure for RA. The location and degree of cartilage destruction determine the course of orthopedic treatment for RA. With the right nonsurgical and surgical treatment, many patients will get some degree of symptom reduction.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - As so many organs can be impacted by SLE, treating the condition frequently calls for a team effort. Immunosuppressive medications, which block immune system function, are the mainstay of treatment for SLE.
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Psoriatic Arthritis - The signs, age, and overall health determine treatment for psoriatic arthritis. It additionally depends on how serious the disease is. The inflammation in the joint and the skin problem are both treated. Joint injury can be avoided by receiving early diagnosis and treatment.
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Scleroderma - Scleroderma does not currently have a treatment. However, medications are available to address any problems and help manage symptoms. The course of treatment for scleroderma will be determined by how the illness impacts people.
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Vasculitis - Inflammation in various forms of vasculitis is treated with glucocorticoids, such as Deltasone. Methotrexate, Azathioprine, and other immunosuppressants may be used for milder cases of vasculitis.
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Sjogren's Syndrome - Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are suggested for the joint pain that may be associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Prednisone and other low-dose steroids can help lessen joint pain.
Conclusion
Foot health is significantly challenged by autoimmune disorders. Managing autoimmune-related foot issues effectively requires a comprehensive approach. Podiatrists, dermatologists, rheumatologists, and other experts must work together to provide precise diagnosis, individualized treatment regimens, and continuous monitoring.
