A new podiatry service for patients with arthritis

Rome, K; Erikson, K; Ng, A; Gow, PJ; Hazra, S; Williams, AE

Abstract

Aim The aims of this study were to identify the impact of a new podiatric
rheumatology service on reducing foot pain, impairment and disability in patients
with foot problems associated with rheumatic disease, and to report on patient
satisfaction with the service.
Method A retrospective study of 245 patients with rheumatic disease at Counties
Manukau DHB was conducted. Foot pain, impairment and disability were measured
using a self-reporting patient outcome measure, the Foot Function Index. A range of
podiatric interventions were reported. A self-administered, postal patient satisfaction
questionnaire was sent to 148 patients.
Results Over two-thirds of patients were observed with hallux valgus (bunions). The
results demonstrate a significant reduction in foot pain (p<0.001) from initial visit to
second visit (18% reduction in pain). A significant decrease in foot disability (p=0.04)
was found from initial visit to second visit. No significant differences were seen with
foot impairment (p=0.78). A variety of intervention measures were used with 24% of
patients being prescribed foot orthoses and 28% of patients given footwear advice.
The patient satisfaction survey found 84% of patients reported they were satisfied
with the new service and 80% of patients reported that the service helped with their
foot problems.
Conclusion The current service meets the needs of patients who suffer from
rheumatological foot conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The need for
good foot education, provision of foot orthoses and advice on footwear are crucial to
reduce the burden on patients with rheumatological foot conditions.

Citation

Rome, K., Erikson, K., Ng, A., Gow, P., Hazra, S., & Williams, A. (2013). A new podiatry service for patients with arthritis

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jun 20, 2014
• Journal: the New Zealand medical journal
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 126
• Issue: 1370
• Pages: 70-77
• Publisher URL: http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/
• Related Public URLs: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23474514