Arthritis in your foot

Arthritis is a reference to joint disease and pain. Anyone of any age can suffer from it –  though it’s most typical in women and the elderly.

Some of the most common forms of arthritis we help with at Prestige Healthcare include:

1. Osteoarthritis, “wear and tear” arthritis, the most common form caused by breakdown of the joint and tissue over time.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disorder causing continual inflammation and soreness in the joints and sometimes deformity or loss of motion
3. Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis causing joint inflammation.
4. Gout, inflammatory arthritis, can be associated with high levels of uric acid in the blood (most commonly found in men).

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can occur as a result of the following:

• Heredity
• Injuries – notably in athletes & industrial workers, especially if left untreated
• Immune system dysfunction – rheumatoid arthritis & systemic lupus erythematosus
• Bacterial & viral infections – organisms found in infections such as pneumonia & staph
• Bowel disorders –colitis, ileitis & other common bowel disorders (treating these can alleviate arthritis as well).
• Drug use – prescribed & illegal street drugs.

Symptoms & Identification

Different types of Arthritis can have varying symptoms. 

 Osteoarthritis has its own specific characteristics:

• Breakdown of cartilage
• Dull to throbbing night-time pain
• Muscle weakness or deterioration
• Difficulty walking

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is much more sudden than osteoarthritis, often has cycles of relief where symptoms disappear only to be met again with inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can present as :

• Affects more than a dozen smaller joints
• Pain is frequently in a symmetrical pattern (both ankles, index fingers, hands, ect.)
• Lengthy morning stiffness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• May also affect the eyes, lungs, heart, & nervous system

Care & Treatment

Most types of arthritis aren’t completely curable, but they can be managed or even temporarily cured.  Early detection is very important. One of the side effects and causes of arthritis is bone and cartilage break down; the earlier the treatment can begin the better the chance to slow or prevent further breakdown.

Our clinicians and physiotherapists here at Prestige Healthcare will always look to non-surgical treatments first. Some of these treatments are:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Rest
• Pain relievers
• Shoe pads
• Arch supports
• Steroid injection
• Physical therapy
• Customized shoes - made on site in our Church Hill Road workshop and labatories 
• Maintaining a healthy weight

One of the most important aspects of foot care for those with arthritis is wearing shoes that fit correctly and comfortably. Some of the elements to look for in your shoes are:

• Shoes shaped like your foot
• Shoes that have support — for example, no slip-on shoes
• Rubber soles to provide more cushioning
• Flexibility
• Proper fit

For more information about any aspect of Arthritis or to have an assessment or some treatment contact us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us.