The Nurses’ Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study II both indicate that a woman’s chances of developing a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increase by 63% if she consumes soda on a regular basis. Alarmingly, this increase spikes up to 164% if the patient happens to be over the age of 55.
The first NHS study involved 79,000 American women, while the second NHS study consisted of 107,330. The participants involved in the study were asked every four years about how often they drank soda. The data did not show any correlation between drinking diet soda and contracting RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful disease. For foot and ankle care, visit podiatrist Sharon L. Pletcher, DPM of Family Foot Center. Dr. Pletcher can treat your podiatric needs.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occurs, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area. Pain often initially presents in the toes before the condition worsens and spreads throughout the entire foot. Rheumatoid arthritis appears to be genetically inherited, so if you have a family history of RA, you may be predisposed to suffer from it as well.
Symptoms
- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition.
For more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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