Arthritis is a common condition that affects the joints in the body, and the feet are often a particularly problematic area. It is not surprising that arthritis commonly affects the feet, since it is characterised by swelling and inflammation in the joints, and the foot and ankle contain 26 bones and 33 joints.
There are many different types of arthritis, including:
• Rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by an autoimmune disease,
• Post-traumatic arthritis, which occurs as a result of an injury to the joint, and
• Osteoarthritis, which is caused by general damage due to ageing.
These are the most common forms of arthritis to affect the feet, and treatment will depend upon the type of arthritis diagnosed, as well as the way the condition manifests.
How To Manage Arthritis:
Arthritis can be a debilitating condition and it is vital to get a reliable diagnosis at an early stage so that you can reduce the damage to your joints. Processes such as ultrasound can be very helpful in the diagnostic process, and you will be offered treatment options that are tailored to your own situation.
There is no definitive cure for arthritis, and damage to the joints can be permanent if the condition is not treated or managed appropriately, but there are many things you can do to reduce the pain you experience. We recommend:
- An anti-inflammatory diet. Junk foods and processed foods are high in sugars that can cause inflammation in the body, and this can exacerbate problems like arthritis. It is a good idea to find out more about foods that make inflammation worse, and you can also add foods that reduce inflammation in the body to your diet, including pineapples, oranges and spinach.
- Regular exercise. Regular exercise is a vital way to protect your general health, and you can help to prevent problems like arthritis by taking gentler forms of exercise, such as yoga and pilates, that stretch and tone your body without putting your joints under pressure. Fluid movements that do not strain your joints and muscles will be much easier on your body, and taking up these forms of exercise can be very helpful as you age.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight places the body under a great deal of stress, and this can put additional pressure on your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight with a good diet and regular exercise is an important way to protect your health and prevent joint problems such as arthritis from developing.
- Take care of your joints. You can help to lower your risk of developing arthritis by protecting yourself against joint injuries. Wearing protective kit when you are playing sports and warming up and down properly when you exercise can prevent injuries that make arthritis more likely as you age. Wearing well fitted, supportive shoes every day is a very important factor in protecting the joints in your feet, and this is especially important when you are exercising.
- Eat Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are believed to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, and this is an easy way to protect yourself and your joints. Good sources of omega 3s include oily fish and sea vegetables, and you can also take a good quality supplement to boost your intake and increase the positive effects.
Visit Us And Find Out How To Relieve Foot Pain
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy an active life for longer, and keeping your feet healthy is essential to this goal. Visit us at Foot Solutions for a professional fitting, and talk to us about finding the very best shoes, socks and custom arch supports for your feet.
Pop into Foot Solutions today and embrace great foot health.
