Specific Joint Problems in Untreated RA | Arthritis Information

If not treated, RA can cause significant joint damage and deformity. Some of the specific joint issues that may also occur as the disease progresses include:

Hands and wrists

Ulnar drift: swelling of the joints, which moves tendons and ligaments out of position and causes the fingers to bend toward the little finger
Swan-neck deformities: changes in the tissues around finger joints, which result in abnormal bending and straightening of the fingers
Mallet finger: a deformity in which the fingertip is curled in and cannot straighten itself
Tendon loosening or ruptures: caused by inflammation in the joints
Movement issues: inability to bend the wrist up or down due to inflammation
Locked or catching joints: deformities or rheumatoid nodules that cause the fingers to lock in unusual positions as the person tries to bend them

Feet

Hammer toes: changes in the tissues around the toe joints that cause abnormal bending of the toes
Bunions: changes in the tissues around joints of the big toe that cause it to bend toward the little toe and develop a bony nodule
Pes planus: loosening of the arch joint in the middle of the foot, which causes a painful flat foot
Valgus hind foot: loosening of the joint below the ankle, which causes the foot to bend outward
Walking problems: caused by pain in the toes and other deformities

Neck

Joint damage: limits neck movement from side to side or up and down and causes neck stiffness, weakness, and loss of motion

Shoulders

Decreased range of motion: causes daily tasks, such as reaching or lifting, to become difficult and painful

Knees

Inflammation: if not controlled by treatment, can cause erosion of cartilage and eventually lead to the need for knee replacement surgery
Baker's cyst: a fluid-filled lump that appears behind the knee