Foot problems in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; under-reported and under-treated?

Results In total, 107 patients responded with 79% reporting foot pain caused by their SLE. Half (51%) of the patients had discussed foot pain with their general practitioner or rheumatologist, and a third (33%) had difficulty with basic foot care. Respondents reported there was no significant difference in the frequency with which their hands and feet were examined. However, only 33% had been seen by a podiatrist. Insoles had only been prescribed to a quarter of respondents (25%) but only half of those receiving insoles were continuing to wear them and merely two respondents indicated their foot symptoms had been resolved by their insoles. None of the subjects reported that they had been provided with specialist footwear. Conclusion These data suggest that foot problems are common and under-reported in patients with SLE. Health care professionals need to consider a comprehensive foot care plan as part of the holistic management of people with SLE.