The three rocker functions of the feet are impaired: the first is minimally affected, the second is prolonged and the third, which is the most severely affected, is reduced. The heel strike, foot flat and toe-off sequence have been shown to be replaced by a flat-footed antalgic type of gait. Abnormalities in the foot pressures during walking, such as a shift of the loads from the medial side of the foot towards the centre, and a delayed and reduced forefoot loading have been demonstrated.

Studies on the walking pattern in RA patients have demonstrated a slowing in the walking velocity, shortened stride length, a lowering in the heel-strike, push-off impacts and increased double-stance period.

Rheumatoid arthritis, Metatarsophalangeal involvement, Forefoot, GaitДespite the frequent involvement of the inferior limb joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the effects of such involvement on walking behaviour are not fully understood. Treatment of an RA-impaired forefoot should focus on MTP mobility as well as on pain. In RA patients, reduced MTP dorsal flexion mobility induces changes in the walking parameters, including the kinematics of the overlying lower limb joints. There was a negative relationship between maximal flexion of the knee and hips during walking and the underlying MTP dorsal flexion ROM ( r 2=0.67 and 0.54).Д¬onclusion. The walking velocity and the stride length were positively related to the MTP dorsal flexion ROM ( r 2=0.75 and 0.67). The walking velocity was lower and the stride length shorter in patients than in controls. The MTP ROM was no different in patients presenting with or without pain at walking. Nine patients and seven controls were included. Analysis 1 compared the ROM of dorsal and plantar flexion in patients with or without walking pain 2 compared the gait parameters between patients and controls 3 investigated a relationship between gait parameters and (i) the ROM of the MTP dorsal and plantar flexion and (ii) the pain at walking 4 investigated the relationship between the ROM of the MTP dorsal and plantar flexion and maximal flexion and extension of the hip and knee joints during walking. Calculation of gait parameters and maximal flexion and extension of the hips and knees during walking. Evaluation of the ROM of the MTP dorsal and plantar flexion, and gait analysis using a three-dimensional computerized movement analysis. Inclusion of RA patients with inactive disease, no synovitis of the inferior limb and reduced ROM of the MTP joints. To evaluate the effects of loss of range of motion (ROM) of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint on the kinematic parameters of walking in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

5th mtp joint pain