Illustration of a foot on a force plate, representing rheumatoid arthritis and foot pressure.

Foot Pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unraveling the Mystery of Gait and Pressure

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Connection Between Foot Pressure, Gait Alterations, and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What the Research Reveals"

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease, often manifests its initial symptoms in the feet. For many individuals, foot pain becomes a persistent companion, significantly impacting their mobility and overall quality of life. Understanding the complexities of foot-related issues in RA is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

This article delves into the findings of recent research exploring the connection between plantar pressure (the pressure exerted on the soles of the feet), gait alterations (changes in walking patterns), and RA. We aim to unravel the mysteries of these interlinked factors, providing insights into the impact of foot health on the lives of those affected by RA. The research also sought to establish whether a correlation exists between plantar peak pressure and functional evaluation of the RA foot, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF model).

By examining the latest scientific studies, we'll explore how foot pressure measurements, gait analysis, and functional assessments contribute to a holistic understanding of RA's impact. This article offers valuable information for individuals with RA, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the critical role of foot health in managing this challenging condition.

Unpacking the Science: What the Research Says About Foot Pressure and RA

Illustration of a foot on a force plate, representing rheumatoid arthritis and foot pressure.

Studies have long investigated the effects of RA on the feet, revealing that foot pain is a common symptom, with many individuals experiencing discomfort for extended periods. The challenges do not end here. Foot pain can lead to gait alterations, making walking difficult, and further impacting the quality of life. The research used tools like force plates to assess foot pressure.

The relationship between foot pressure and foot pain in RA is a complex area of study. The research has examined the use of tools like force plates to measure foot pressure, looking for a better understanding of how pressure distribution affects pain and function. The study's secondary objective was to evaluate correlations between podo-barometric and clinical data.

Foot Pressure Measurement: The study used force plates to measure peak pressure under the feet and the distribution of pressure across different areas.
Clinical Data Collection: Researchers gathered information on patient pain levels, functional abilities, and overall health through questionnaires and examinations.
Correlation Analysis: Statistical methods were used to determine whether there was a relationship between foot pressure measurements and clinical data.

The research highlighted that high plantar pressure under the forefoot is linked to pain during walking. The lack of correlation may be linked to the study's static component, however, most studies in the literature used dynamic evaluations. The absence of a strong correlation does not diminish the importance of managing foot health in RA, but rather highlights the need for a more nuanced approach. It suggests that while plantar pressure is a significant factor, other elements are at play in the experience of pain and the development of gait issues.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Foot Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis

While the study did not find a direct correlation between static peak pressure and gait alteration, the investigation underscores the complexity of managing foot health in RA. This knowledge can assist in enhancing care and assisting individuals to walk more easily and live more fulfilling lives. By understanding the interplay of these factors, healthcare professionals and patients can work together to develop comprehensive strategies that address pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.rehab.2018.07.009, Alternate LINK

Title: Static Peak Pressure Under The Sole Is Unrelated To Gait Alteration In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Rehabilitation

Journal: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Armand Bonnin, Bruno Pereira, Claire Pourtier-Piotte, Eric Thomas, Anne Tournadre, Martin Soubrier, Emmanuel Coudeyre

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does rheumatoid arthritis primarily affect the feet?

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease, often initially manifests symptoms in the feet, leading to persistent foot pain. This pain significantly impacts mobility and overall quality of life for many individuals. Understanding foot-related issues is crucial for effective management of rheumatoid arthritis and improving patient outcomes.

What is plantar pressure, and how is it related to rheumatoid arthritis research?

Plantar pressure refers to the pressure exerted on the soles of the feet. Research in rheumatoid arthritis investigates the connection between plantar pressure, gait alterations (changes in walking patterns), and the disease itself. These studies aim to understand how plantar pressure affects pain and function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and whether a correlation exists between plantar peak pressure and functional evaluation of the rheumatoid arthritis foot, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF model).

What tools are used to assess foot pressure in rheumatoid arthritis studies, and what kind of clinical data is collected?

Studies often use force plates to measure plantar pressure and the distribution of pressure across different areas of the feet. Clinical data collection involves gathering information on patient pain levels, functional abilities, and overall health through questionnaires and examinations. Researchers perform correlation analyses to determine if there is a relationship between foot pressure measurements and the collected clinical data.

The information says the study didn't find a direct correlation between static peak pressure and gait alteration, how can this be interpreted?

The absence of a strong correlation between static peak pressure and gait alteration suggests that while plantar pressure is a significant factor in rheumatoid arthritis foot health, other elements are also at play in the experience of pain and the development of gait issues. It highlights the complexity of managing foot health in rheumatoid arthritis and underscores the need for a more nuanced approach that considers multiple contributing factors beyond just static pressure measurements. Dynamic evaluation may be more appropriate.

How can healthcare professionals use the current research to improve the lives of those with rheumatoid arthritis?

By understanding the interplay between foot pressure, gait alterations, and rheumatoid arthritis, healthcare professionals and patients can collaborate to develop comprehensive strategies that address pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Despite the absence of a direct correlation between static peak pressure and gait alteration, the research underscores the complexity of managing foot health in rheumatoid arthritis and highlights the need for considering multiple factors. This knowledge can assist in enhancing care and helping individuals to walk more easily and live more fulfilling lives.