Painful and stiff toes (Rheumatism)
What is Rheumatism?
Two bones come together to form a joint. To ensure that the bones move smoothly against one another during movement, the ends of the bones are covered in a layer of cartilage. The bones are held together by ligaments and a joint capsule. This capsule is lined with a mucous membrane called the synovium. The synovium produces fluid which both nourishes the joint with nutrients and lubricates the joint for smooth movement. In rheumatism, the synovium is thickened and inflamed causing the joint to swell. This causes pain and movement limitation.
The cartilage, bone, muscles, and tendons can also be damaged as the disease progresses. The early stages of rheumatism manifest in the joints of the hands and feet.
What are the most common complaints?
Most forms of rheumatism cause pain and stiffness in joints or muscles. As a result, movement becomes more difficult which limits activities in daily life. Fatigue and general stiffness in the joints occur after a long period of staying in the same position (e.g. stiffness in the morning), and symptoms can get worse and worse during the day.
What are the causes?
Rheumatism is an auto-immune disease. This means that the immune system does not recognise the difference between good organisms (body-own) and bad organisms (viruses and bacteria)æand therefore attacks its own healthy tissue. What causes people to develop rheumatism is not fully understood in research.
Environmental factors such as smoking and being overweight appear to play a role. Hereditary factors also seem indicative as people with rheumatism in the family tend to be more likely affected by the disease.
Rheumatism occurs two to three times as often in women as in men. It can occur at any age but usually begins between 40 and 60 years.
You can do this about it
Most forms of rheumatism are chronic and there is no known cure. In rheumatism, it is important to exercise regularly. Exercise ensures that your muscles stay strong and supple, reducing pain and stiffness. Some types of rheumatism have active periods and quiet periods (remissions). During the active period, when the joints are inflamed, it is better to focus on relaxing.
Exercises
Foot flexors with towel
Stand with your feet on a towel. Move the towel under your foot with your toes. Do this without lifting your foot.
Foot tapping in sitting position
Sit upright in a chair. Extend your right leg in front of you. Now pull your toes towards you and then stretch them all the way forward. Repeat this movement. Put your foot down and then switch sides.
Spread toes
Sit with your feet slightly apart. Spread the toes and pull them up slightly. Leave the feet on the floor. Relax and repeat.
Tapping with the toes
Sit upright in a chair. Extend your right leg in front of you. Now pull your toes towards you and then stretch them all the way forward. Repeat this movement. Put your foot down and then switch sides.