Arthritis
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis is a general term describing inflammation and swelling in the joints. While often associated with aging, it can affect people of all ages. The human foot contains 33 joints, making it highly susceptible to this condition.
When arthritis strikes the feet or ankles, it compromises the cartilage—the smooth “cushion” between bones. Without this buffer, bones can rub against one another, leading to stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility. It is often mistaken for general soreness or fatigue, but arthritis is a progressive condition that requires specific management to maintain mobility.
WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS IN THE FEET?
While there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, the three most common types affecting the feet are:
- Osteoarthritis (Wear and Tear): The natural breakdown of cartilage over time. It can be accelerated by poor foot mechanics (such as flat feet or high arches) that place uneven stress on the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints, often starting in the small joints of the feet.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops years after an injury, such as an ankle sprain or fracture.
Signs that you may need professional assessment include:
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
- Recurring swelling or warmth around a joint
- Deep, aching pain that worsens with activity
- Changes in the shape of the foot (such as bunions or hammertoes)
Unlike warts, arthritis is usually a chronic condition. While there may not be a permanent “cure,” early intervention is critical to slowing the progression of the disease and keeping you active.
PREVENTING PAIN AND PROTECTING YOUR JOINTS.
While you cannot always prevent arthritis (especially if it is genetic), you can significantly reduce its impact and prevent further damage.
To protect your foot health:
- Choose the right footwear: Avoid shoes that lack support or squeeze the toes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: This reduces the mechanical load on your knees, ankles, and feet.
- Stay active: Low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling) keep joints lubricated without causing stress.
- Listen to your feet: Do not push through sharp joint pain.
ARTHRITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS.
At Footcare Orthotics, we believe that arthritis shouldn’t stop you from walking, working, or doing what you love. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve joint function, and correct biomechanical issues that may be aggravating your condition.
We create a personalized management plan based on the type of arthritis you have and your lifestyle goals.
Our specialized treatment options include:
- Custom Orthotics: We design prescription insoles to redistribute weight, correct alignment, and offload pressure from painful joints. This acts as a shock absorber for your skeleton.
- Specialized Footwear: Recommendations or modifications to shoes to provide depth, width, and rocker soles that make walking easier.
- Bracing: Using ankle or foot braces to limit motion in painful joints and provide stability.
- Physical Therapies: Mobilization and specific exercises to maintain range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting the joints.
We will assess your gait and foot structure to ensure you receive the “best of the best” care to keep you moving comfortably.