ARTHRITIS

Arthritis

 

Arthritis can have a profound impact on your mobility and quality of life due to the chronic pain and physical limitations that it creates. We help many patients at Inline Podiatry clinic who have arthritis in their feet or ankles. 

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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that covers more than 100 medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. It affects the joints where one or two bones meet and is characterised by inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, redness and reduced motion. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but is particularly common in the small joints of the foot and the ankle.

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The main types of arthritis that can affect the feet and ankles are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) , or "wear-and-tear" arthritis, is the most common type. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis. OA 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

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)  is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the joint. It usually happens in the same joint on both sides of your body. 

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

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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 or sausage toe.

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Fibromyalgia Foot pain may be exacerbated by fibromyalgia, impacting your ability to walk, stand, or exercise. Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia foot pain is not understood, it is most likely a result of overactive neural pathways sending pain messages to the brain. If you do have an underlying foot condition, however, your fibromyalgia can intensify your discomfort—even when that same condition would be painless for another individual.

 

SYMPTOMS OF FOOT AND ANKLE ARTHRITIS

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis will depend on the kind of arthritis you have and which joint is affected. 

• Tenderness when you touch the joint

• Pain when you move it

• 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

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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, Uggs, jandals or some Sketchers)

• Rubber soles for more cushioning

• Proper fit; go to a shoe shop that will measure your feet, Collins, Shoe clinic, Smiths are some examples in Hamilton. Inline Podiatry can also provide a measuring service and can order Revere, Dr Comfort, Scholl &  Vionic.

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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 your calf muscles. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times on each side.

• Big-toe stretch. Put a Thera band or 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 spread. Spread your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds then crunch, and repeat the exercise 10 times.

• Toe curl. Pick up marbles or scrunch a towel with your toes.

 

When should I see a podiatrist?

If you experience any foot care issues that do not resolve themselves naturally or through your own care, it is recommended that you seek the help of a healthcare professional.