Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialists Brisbane

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, particularly within the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops through wear and tear and is considered to be 'degeneraive', RA is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect one or more joints and, in some people, spread beyond the joints to involve the lungs, blood vessels, skin, and kidneys.

Rheumatoid arthritis specialists help support people living with this complex and often life-changing condition. Here, our role as podiatrists is to help our patients reduce their pain, manage inflammation, protect their joint health, and support long-term quality of life.

Common causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to a combination of immune dysfunction, genetics, and environmental triggers. While the exact cause is not fully understood, several key factors are known to contribute:

Autoimmune response

In RA, the immune system attacks joint lining and surrounding tissue. This immune response targets healthy cells, leading to chronic inflammation, joint damage, swelling, stiffness, and ongoing pain. This is why it's called an 'inflammatory' arthritis.

Genetic and hormonal factors

Genetics play a strong role in many rheumatic diseases, including RA. The condition is more common in women and typically develops between the ages of 30 and 60, although it can occur at any age.

Lifestyle and environmental triggers

Smoking and prolonged stress on the body may increase the risk of developing RA or worsen symptoms.

Systemic involvement

RA can affect more than just the joints. In some people, it may involve other organs, including the lungs, blood vessels, skin, and kidneys, contributing to fatigue, fever, and general weakness.

Brisbane clinic locations & opening hours

Our podiatrists have a special interest in Rheumatoid Arthritis management, offering care at both of our convenient Brisbane locations - in the CBD and Newmarket. Find clinic details and opening hours below:

How we diagnose, assess and treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Having an accurate diagnosis is essential to best treat RA, as it can resemble other diseases such as gout, bursitis, bacterial joint infections, or even early osteoarthritis.

Our podiatrists begin with a comprehensive consultation, followed by a detailed physical examination to assess swelling, warmth, tenderness, stiffness, restricted movement, and muscle involvement. We also look at how the condition affects the whole body, including posture, gait, and movement patterns.

Diagnosing RA often involves collaboration with general practitioners and a specialist physician, typically an experienced rheumatologist. Investigations may include blood tests to assess inflammatory markers and immune activity, alongside imaging such as x rays and MRI to evaluate joint damage, bone health, and any early deformities.

RA management aims to reduce inflammation, control pain, protect bones, and help you maintain function. While there is currently no complete cure for RA, early and consistent treatment allows many patients to respond well and live active, fulfilling lives.

Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment options we provide

At The Feet People, we work closely with rheumatologists, physicians, general practitioners and those in occupational therapy to support lower-limb care as part of your overall management plan.

Our podiatry-based treatment options may include:

• Footwear modifications and recommendations - your shoes will play an important role in helping keep you comfortable and mobile when living with RA. We can both recommend ideal shoes given your foot type and any foot problems or deformities you’re experiencing, as well as make custom modifications to your footwear to ensure they’re doing their best in optimising your comfort and quality of life.
• MLS laser to help with relieving pain and improving your mobility and function when living with arthritis. The MLS laser works to reduce inflammation and pain, accelerate tissue repair and improve joint mobility, making it a perfect companion in managing your symptoms.
• Custom foot orthotics - in some cases, when your joints have sustained significant damage or you have some biomechanical factors associated with your feet and legs that may be exacerbating your symptoms or discomfort, we may recommend using custom-designed foot orthotics. These orthotics are created in a way that is specifically prescribed by your podiatrist, so are able to help with everything from relieving pressure from swollen or deformed joints to increasing specific areas of support or cushioning to optimise your comfort and function on your feet.
• Ankle foot orthotics (AFOs) can help those with RA by providing stability, support, and pain relief for affected foot and ankle joints. By wrapping around and stabilising the ankle, reducing pressure on inflamed joints, and improving gait mechanics, AFOs alleviate pain, prevent joint deformities, and enhance mobility, making it easier for individuals with RA to perform daily activities and maintain a better quality of life. The AFOs we offer are custom prescribed, designed to address a person’s unique foot and ankle needs.
•  Physical therapy - our podiatrists can show you a range of modified exercises to maintain strength and flexibility of the affected joints.
• Personalised advice and recommendations about how to best manage your foot health
• Strategies to manage swelling and pressure points during flare-ups
• Support alongside occupational therapy to maintain mobility and daily function
• Guidance on pacing activity to protect joints and muscles

Medical treatment, including medications, is overseen by your rheumatologist and may involve disease-modifying drugs to slow disease progression and reduce inflammation.

Benefits of specialised care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of many rheumatic diseases, alongside ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, fibromyalgia, giant cell arteritis, and gout. Each rheumatic condition requires specialist-led care.

Specialised care provides:

• Accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases
  
• Ongoing monitoring of joints, vessels, lungs, skin, and kidneys
  
• Reduced risk of joint changes, fractures, and long-term disability
  
• Coordinated care between rheumatologists, podiatrists, and allied health teams
  

Many rheumatologists are fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, reflecting advanced training in treating diseases that affect joints and the immune response. We work closely with them to treat RA and improve your day to day comfort and function, regardless of how it is currently affecting your body.

Why do we recommend early treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Without early care, RA can progress rapidly. Persistent inflammation may damage cartilage and bones, leading to joint changes, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.

We want to treat RA early to help:

• Reduce inflammation and joint pain
  
• Protect joints and surrounding muscles
  
• Lower the risk of severe cases requiring surgery
  
• Improve how the body responds to medications
  
• Preserve independence and quality of life
  

Early intervention also reduces the risk of complications affecting the lungs, vessels, neck, shoulders, and hips.

Book an appointment to get Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment in Brisbane

If RA is affecting your feet, walking, or comfort, early podiatry support can provide meaningful relief. Our team works with your medical providers to help manage symptoms and protect your long-term mobility. Book an appointment today to begin personalised RA care in Brisbane.

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