In this article, we’ll cover:
- The different kinds of arthritis
- Arthritis causes and common risk factors
- Symptoms of arthritis
- How to prevent arthritis in feet
- Treatment options if you already have foot arthritis
According to the CDC, arthritis affects over 52 million Americans and affects the “joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues.” All arthritis is not the same, however, and there are over 100 different kinds. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be sharing preventative measures that are generally effective for arthritis, especially when it affects the feet. But first, let’s discuss some of the more common forms of arthritis.
Understanding the Different Types of Arthritis
As we mentioned, arthritis comes in various forms. Understanding the specific kinds of arthritis that affect feet is essential to managing and preventing the degeneration it can cause.
Osteoarthritis (OA): This kind of arthritis is generally referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. This description is especially applicable to the feet because they are under constant pressure when walking and standing. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage between joints breaks down, causing friction when bones in the foot rub against each other.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack the synovium. Synovium is a tissue that lines your joints and helps your bones smoothly glide past each other. When you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, it can lead to severe inflammation and joint deformity over time.
Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, gout often affects a person’s big toe and can lead to sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling in the foot.
What Causes Arthritis in Feet?
Before we discuss how to prevent arthritis in feet, we need to understand what can cause arthritis in feet, and anywhere else in the body, for that matter. There are many reasons why a person might develop arthritis in their feet. For some, it’s a draw of genetics. If arthritis runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it later in life. As mentioned above, RA is an autoimmune disease that can be passed down from parents to children.
Two other causes of arthritis are injury and obesity. Arthritis caused by injury is referred to as post-traumatic arthritis, meaning it can develop in response to injuries like dislocations, fractures, and sprains. Additionally, when you’re overweight or obese, this strains and puts added pressure on your feet, which can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage.
Lastly, for some, arthritis is just a part of growing old. As we age, our bodies break down, and arthritis can be a symptom of that. Our joints naturally experience wear and tear that can increase the likelihood of arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in Feet?
Arthritis is usually a gradual process that slowly worsens over time. In some cases, people experience the ailment overnight, but that is less common. It starts with mild discomfort and, without treatment, can escalate to debilitating pain. Symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the foot joint, especially after long periods of standing or walking.
- Swelling: Inflamed joints are a telltale sign of arthritis.
- Difficulty walking: As arthritis progresses, it can become difficult to walk or stand for a long time.
- Reduced range of motion: Stiffness in your joints can make it hard to wriggle your toes or rotate your ankles.
How to Prevent Arthritis in Feet
You can’t always prevent arthritis; however, there are some measures you can take to minimize your risk of developing it and delay its rapid progression.
Stretch Regularly
Keep your foot muscles and tendons limber by regularly stretching. This can help reduce stiffness and improve your overall joint health. Try incorporating gentle foot stretches such as rotating your ankles or stretching your toes into your daily routine. Make it part of your morning or night routine so you don’t forget!
Wear Supportive Shoes
One of the best things you can do for your feet is wear shoes that provide enough support and cushioning! Don’t wear high heels too much. You should also avoid tight shoes and any footwear that doesn’t properly align your feet and ankles. An experienced orthopedist, like those at RMC, can help ensure your footwear is helping, not hindering, your health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
When your feet don’t have to carry excess weight, it significantly reduces the amount of stress and pressure on them. Losing even just a few pounds can make a big difference in preventing arthritis.
Eat Right and Exercise
Certain foods can actually trigger inflammation. Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help prevent foot arthritis. This means limiting how much processed food, sugary snacks, and red meat you consume.
Diet and exercise go together, making low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking ideal for maintaining your joint health. These exercises help you get your heart rate up without putting undue pressure on your feet. Regular exercise helps keep your joints flexible and also strengthens the muscles that support them.
Can You Treat Foot Arthritis?
If you think you’re already experiencing symptoms of arthritis in your feet, don’t lose hope! The expert orthopedists at RMC can help manage any pain you may be feeling and assist with maintaining mobility with these treatment options:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be a game-changer for those experiencing mild, moderate, or severe arthritis in their feet. With muscle-strengthening exercises that focus on improving joint flexibility, patients can get back to doing everyday movements with ease.
Assistive Footwear Devices: Custom-made shoe inserts or braces have a dual purpose of providing support and reducing pressure on arthritic joints. This can drastically improve comfort and mobility if you’re suffering from pain while standing and walking.
Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Surgery: In some severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged joints. This is usually a last resort when other treatments haven’t provided the relief a patient needs.
Find Foot Arthritis Relief at RMC
Foot arthritis can be debilitatingly painful. However, with the right preventative measures and treatments, you can manage its effects and potentially avoid it altogether! Taking steps to incorporate strategies like stretching, wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active can go a long way in preserving your foot health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of arthritis in your feet, don’t wait for the pain to get worse! Schedule an appointment with one of the outstanding orthopedic surgeons at RMC’s Orthopedic and Joint Center for a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan to help you stay on your feet and moving forward.