Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) used to cause major damage to hands and feet. Joints became deformed. Fingers and toes were bent out of shape. Today, these changes are less common and less severe, thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatment. The disease is one of many causes of deformed joints. For example, osteoarthritis can result in crooked fingers. Tight-fitting shoes might lead to bunions. But if you have RA, joint deformities are a sign that your disease isn’t under control. The good news is RA medications may prevent, slow, or stop the damage that leads to deformed joints. Plus, there are many ways to ease pain and improve how well your joints work if you already have crooked or bent fingers and toes.