Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION-FIZYOTERAPI REHABILITASYON, cilt.17, sa.2, ss.70-77, 2006 (ESCI)
The aim of this study was to determine and compare foot and ankle problems in above forty years old women diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) with healthy women of the same age. Material and methods: A total of 67 women, 26 with RA, 21 with OA, and 20 healthy women were the subjects of the study. The foot related complaints and symptoms, range of motion, severity of deformities, foot function, pain, and Foot Function Index were evaluated. Results: Erythema, morning stiffness and inflammatory symptoms were more apparent in the RA group. Edema, metatarsophalangeal sensitivity, calluses at the metatarsophalangeal and interphangeal joints were prevalent in all three groups at variable ratios. Pain was most apparent at the metatarsophalangeal joint in all three groups. Pain increased with activity in the RA group. The Foot Function Index scores and total joint limitations were significantly worse in the RA group than other groups (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups in regards to pes planus and hallux valgus (p>0.05). Discussion: This study has shown that while RA, with the undulating inflammatory process causing pain and limitation negatively affected foot mechanics, in spite of the articular mechanic process that compromises foot structures the osteoarthritis patients were less symptomatic. It was seen that there was a significant degree of degenerative foot problems in healthy middle aged women which should not be overlooked.