Which of the following is a typical effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the subtalar joint?

Which of the following is a typical effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the subtalar joint?

• A. Stiffness
• B. Increased plantarflexion ROM
• C. Hypermobile subtalar joint
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammatory synovitis in affected joints, leading to swelling, pain, and, importantly, stiffness with a tendency toward reduced range of motion. When the subtalar joint (hindfoot) is involved, the same inflammatory process thickens the joint capsule and damages cartilage, producing stiffness in hindfoot movements such as inversion and eversion and a overall limited ROM. This stiffness is a characteristic feature, especially in the morning, and persists as the disease affects the joint. Increased plantarflexion range, hypermobility of the subtalar joint, or no symptoms would not fit the typical inflammatory impact on the subtalar joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammatory synovitis in affected joints, leading to swelling, pain, and, importantly, stiffness with a tendency toward reduced range of motion. When the subtalar joint (hindfoot) is involved, the same inflammatory process thickens the joint capsule and damages cartilage, producing stiffness in hindfoot movements such as inversion and eversion and a overall limited ROM. This stiffness is a characteristic feature, especially in the morning, and persists as the disease affects the joint.

Increased plantarflexion range, hypermobility of the subtalar joint, or no symptoms would not fit the typical inflammatory impact on the subtalar joint.