Simple and rapid detection of inflammation in the foot in RA patients

**Within the Rondom Lopen Group, we are contributing to a study on the validation of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-F5), which is being carried out by researchers from the Podiatry Research Group.**

Ninety per cent of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience foot problems as a result of inflammation in the foot joints and surrounding tissue. Early detection of inflammatory activity in the feet is essential, as prolonged inflammatory activity can lead to unnecessary and permanent deterioration of foot health. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 (RADAI-F5) is an English-language questionnaire that measures inflammatory activity in the feet. This English-language questionnaire consists of five items that enable inflammatory activity in the feet in RA to be assessed reliably and quickly. The questionnaire has been translated into Dutch and optimised with the help of 11 RA patients and several experts. Its applicability in the Dutch context appears highly feasible, but this must first be tested amongst RA patients. That is why this study has been set up.

Recently, several patients with RA were invited to take part in this study by Rondom Podotherapeuten, either on behalf of or by their treating podiatrist. The required number of participants has now been reached and the data is being analysed. For further information, please see: www.saxion.nl/onderzoekRA