Tendinitis with rheumatism of the foot | Tendinitis with rheumatism

Tendinitis with rheumatism of the foot

Changes in the foot in the course of a rheumatic disease are very common. Bony malpositions often occur, such as claw toes, the hallux valgus. These cause tendons that run along the foot to be affected and can lead to tendonitis.

The tendon inflammation of the foot and leg can be very annoying, because moving around is no longer possible without pain. Many patients work in self-therapy with ointments and bandages. However, these also have only limited effectiveness.

A doctor should be consulted in case of severe inflammation. Above all, inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be dangerous, as there is a risk of tearing due to the high strain on this tendon. If many approaches do not help and the entire foot (including joints and bones) is affected by rheumatism, a stiffening (arthrodesis) of the ankle joint may be necessary. At best, the inflammation of the tendon will then also decrease due to the reduction of overloading.It is important to continue the drug therapy at all times and to check the feet regularly for wounds and injuries, as the incorrect posture causes pressure points which can become inflamed if not cared for and provide an entry point for bacteria.

Tendon inflammation with rheumatism at the shoulder

At the shoulder a tendon inflammation is no rarity with rheumatism. As in all other parts of the body, the immune system attacks the body’s own structures. Often the joint itself is attacked and the joint mucosa is destroyed.

As a result, structures that pass through the joint, such as the tendons of the biceps (arm-bending muscle) and the rotator cuff (a group of four small muscles that lie in front of (ventrally) and behind (dorsally) the shoulder blade and ensure the mobility and stability of the shoulder) are also damaged. The tendons can swell, calcify and even tear due to the rubbing in the joint caused by the irritation. This leads to cracking and rubbing noises, pain and very often to restricted movement.

In the beginning, it is possible to work with injections containing cortisone. It is always important to have an adequate therapy for rheumatism. In addition, regular exercise of the shoulder is important, since permanent immobilization of the shoulder leads to long-term immobility in the shoulder (frozen shoulder).

In addition to conservative treatment with medication, surgery can also be used. Minor arthroscopic procedures such as the removal of mucous membrane and bone splinters are possible. Larger interventions are, for example, the removal of inflamed bursae or the correction of the position of bone fragments.

In later stages (with severely altered and destroyed shoulders) the installation of prostheses may be necessary if the bone is no longer stable and, for example, the tendons of the rotator cuff are no longer able to hold the shoulder. In such cases, the installation of a so-called inverse prosthesis may be indicated.