Arthritis

foot assessment Elio's Foot Comfort Centre

Arthritis is a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases that cause the cartilage inside your joints to wear down over time. As a result, your bones rub and wear against each other. Soft tissues in your joints also may begin to wear down. After some time, the joint might not work or move the way it should.

Several types of arthritis can cause pain in your feet and ankles, including:

Osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is the most common type. Doctors also call it degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually causes changes over many years. The foot and ankle joints where it’s most common are:

  • The three joints involving your heel bone, your inner mid-foot bone, and your outer mid-foot bone
  • The joint of your big toe and foot bone
  • The joint where your ankle and shinbone meet

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious forms. It’s an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the joint. It usually happens in the same joint on both sides of your body.

Gout happens when you have a buildup of uric acid from your diet. It’s most common in your big toe because it’s the farthest body part from your heart.

Psoriatic arthritis can happen in one or more joints, including your ankles and the ends of your toes. It may also cause toe swelling called dactylitis.

Post-traumatic arthritis happens after an injury, especially a dislocation or bone fracture. You might not notice problems for years.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis often include:

  • Tenderness and/or pain when you touch or move the joint
  • Trouble moving, walking, or putting weight on it
  • Joint stiffness, warmth, or swelling
  • More pain and swelling after you rest, such as sitting or sleeping
  • Foot and Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and do tests that might include:

  • A physical exam
  • X-rays
  • MRI or CT scans
  • Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Depending on your symptoms and what’s causing your arthritis, you might need one or more of these treatments:

  • Steroid medications injected into your joints
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to help with swelling
  • Pain relievers
  • Pads or arch supports in your shoes
  • Canes or braces for support
  • Shoe inserts that support your ankle and foot (orthotics)
  • Physical therapy
  • Custom-fitted shoes
foot assessment Elio's Foot Comfort Centre
foot assessment Elio's Foot Comfort Centre

Home Remedies for Foot Arthritis Pain

When you have arthritis in your foot or ankle, one of the most important things is to wear comfortable shoes. Look for these details:

  • Shoes shaped like your foot
  • Shoes with good support (for example, no slip-ons)
  • Rubber soles for more cushioning
  • Flexibility
  • Proper fit; ask a salesperson for help

Exercise can help keep your feet strong, flexible, and pain-free. Moves that can be good for your feet include:

  • Achilles stretch. Face a wall with your palms flat against it. Step one foot forward and one foot back. Lean forward, keeping your heels on the floor. Feel the pull in the Achilles tendon and calf of your rear leg. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times on each side.
  • Big-toe stretch. Put a thick rubber band around your big toes. Use your muscles to pull them away from each other and toward your other toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  • Toe pull. Put a rubber band around the toes of each foot, and spread your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds, and repeat the exercise 10 times.
  • Toe curl. Pick up marbles with your toes.

Other home remedies for arthritis are:

  • Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These can have side effects like stomach irritation, so check with your doctor before taking them.
  • Creams with menthol or capsaicin, which may stop your nerves from sending pain signals
  • Putting heat or cold on the area
  • Acupuncture
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements
  • Gentle exercises such as yoga and tai chi
  • Massage

Lifestyle Changes for Foot Arthritis

A few changes to your daily life can help you feel better and may keep your arthritis from getting worse. If a certain activity triggers a flare-up of symptoms, try to keep it to a minimum. Instead of high-impact exercises like jogging, do low-impact ones like swimming or cycling. Keep a healthy weight so your joints aren’t under as much stress.

Make an appointment today with one of Elio’s Foot Specialists.

Information taken from webmd.com

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