What are the manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis of the foot? Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic systemic connective tissue disease that can cause severe deformities, about 17% of the disease starts in the foot, the forefoot is more common than the hindfoot, the advanced stage causes severe deformity and pain, walking can not. Forefoot manifestations are mainly outward deviation of the bunion and metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation, metatarsophalangeal joint deviation to the metatarsal side. As the disease progresses, calluses may form at the dislocated metatarsal heads on the bottom of the foot, and bunion deformity with metatarsal toe deviation to the peroneal side and bunions often occur. As the disease progresses, hammertoes appear, and the affected toes may be severely deviated and overlap each other, making it difficult for the patient to continue wearing normal shoes. Hindfoot manifestations are mainly heel valgus deformity and hindfoot osteoarthritis, and in severe cases, the ankle joint is involved, which can cause severe pain and walking difficulties. This is a typical “rheumatoid foot” performance. Do I need surgery for rheumatoid arthritis of the foot? Surgery is a common and effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the foot when severe deformity and dysfunction occur: early synovectomy to improve joint function and protect joint cartilage and bone tissue; mid-stage joint debridement surgery to prevent or slow down further joint damage; and late surgery for severe deformity and pain. In the late stage of severe deformity and pain, surgical treatment such as joint fusion, artificial joint replacement or arthroplasty is required to eliminate pain, correct deformity and restore limb function. Do I need any other treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the foot besides surgery? Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the foot is aimed at pain relief, prevention of deformity and correction of deformity, and restoration and preservation of function. In addition to surgical treatment, a series of comprehensive treatments are required. In the acute stage, bed rest is required. In severe cases, short-term plaster or splint fixation is feasible to maintain in a functional position. Pharmacological treatment (NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, hormones, herbal medicine and other treatments) is required when symptoms are obvious. The combination of physical therapy and functional exercise can reduce local symptoms, maintain and improve joint function, and prevent the occurrence of deformities. In conclusion, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the foot is a comprehensive treatment and must be carried out under the guidance of a specialist in order to achieve good results.