Foot Arthritis
Foot arthritis is pain and stiffness caused by inflammation in the joints of your foot. It comes in hundreds of forms that develop as people age, all of which are debilitating. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, there is also no reason to let it keep you from walking or doing the things you enjoy – treatment options are available that allow patients to manage pain and maintain their lifestyle.
How Can You Ease Pain From Foot Arthritis?
- Strengthen the tendons and muscles around your feet by stretching. Focus on stretching your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Wiggling your toes helps too. Take care that these stretching exercises don’t cause additional pain.
- Wear wide shoes that are comfortable to ensure plenty of arch support for your joints. Consider rocker-bottom shoes that are gaining popularity for their toning benefits.
- Shoe inserts, foot braces, or even walking sticks can help to properly align joints and distribute weight evenly.
One of the most common types of foot arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition leads to cartilage deterioration and loss, meaning that it reduces the tissue between bones. This disease is commonly found in the big toe, midfoot, and ankle. It’s often a result of wear from continual strain over time or can even arise years down the road from an initial direct impact injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another variation to be aware of. This chronic autoimmune disease can lead to deformity in the joints and is symmetrical – usually affecting joints on both sides of your body. Rheumatoid arthritis generally begins in the feet and ankles as well.
For more information about arthritis or treatment tactics, consult an expert at our orthopedic clinic. Our orthopedic surgeons will examine your foot for joint swelling, constrained mobility, deformities, and pain. While at our clinic, we can evaluate both nonsurgical remedies and surgical options. At ProOrtho, we care about helping you live pain-free.
