This work attempts to determine the influence of vitamin C on locally induced inflammation and arthritis in rat paws, as measured by rat paw swelling, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, pain, and surface skin temperature. Daily subcutaneous administration of 150 mg/kg of vitamin C over 20 days reduced arthritic swelling, increased pain tolerance, and decreased polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, with no significant change in surface temperature. Vitamin C may provide podiatrists with a supplemental or alternative treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.