A new podiatry service for patients with arthritis

Aim The aims of this study were to identify the impact of a new podiatricrheumatology service on reducing foot pain, impairment and disability in patientswith foot problems associated with rheumatic disease, and to report on patientsatisfaction with the service.Method A retrospective study of 245 patients with rheumatic disease at CountiesManukau DHB was conducted. Foot pain, impairment and disability were measuredusing a self-reporting patient outcome measure, the Foot Function Index. A range ofpodiatric interventions were reported. A self-administered, postal patient satisfactionquestionnaire was sent to 148 patients.Results Over two-thirds of patients were observed with hallux valgus (bunions). Theresults demonstrate a significant reduction in foot pain (p