Foot tendinopathies in rheumatic diseases: etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic options

Damage to the mutual and delicate articular relationships of the foot may lead to functional failure. A painful foot can be the heralding sign of inflammatory, metabolic or degenerative rheumatic disease that may cause severe disability if left untreated. Healthy tendons are brilliant white in colour, are fibroelastic in texture and can withstand huge mechanical loads. Pathological tendons are characterised by changes in cellular function, rupture of collagen bundles, increased production of the proteoglycan-water matrix and neurovascular proliferation. According to the underlying disease, tendinopathies may present with pain of variable duration and intensity and with functional impairment, or they may be an asymptomatic finding on imaging techniques. Pain is the most common presenting symptom in the inflammatory rheumatic diseases of the ankle and the foot and usually precedes ultrasound or radiographic changes; pain results from inflammatory changes of the synovia and soft tissue structures including bursae, tendons, fascias and peripheral nerves. The management of tendinopathies in inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic patients includes “articular economy,” pharmacological treatment, foot orthotics, cryotherapy, instrumental physiotherapy, rehabilitation and physical. This review highlights the differences between tendinopathies occurring in non-inflammatory rheumatic disorders compared to those appearing in the course of inflammatory rheumatic disorders and defines a conservative management framework that non-rheumatologists (orthopaedic surgeons) and rheumatologists could adhere for the management of foot tendinopathies.