Arthritis Attacks Feet Too!

Arthritis has no respect. It can rob us or our mobility and diminish our quality of life. Arthritis can sneak up on anyone, lying in wait for years as it affects our joints or simply making its presence known through stiffness and throbbing aches or jabbing pain. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. As we age, the cartilage in our joints thins and can wear out, causing our joints to rub against one another, bone against bone. Ouch!

Arthritis can affect the joints in any part of our bodies. When it affects our feet it causes a unique set of problems because our feet are our primary form of transportation. Each time we put pressure on our feet by standing or walking, excruciating pain can result. Our feet have natural shock absorbers but these can wear down as we age. If our feet have endured years of stress due to obesity or strenuous physical activity, our shock absorbers can wear down faster. If we have old foot injuries that didn’t heal properly, these old injuries can rise up in protest as we age. Add to this swollen, discolored or sore toes or ankles, heel pain, overlapping toes, bunions, fallen arches or hereditary predispositions, and you have a recipe for discomfort.

Four common forms of arthritis which can affect our feet are Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Posttraumatic Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is common in older adults and affects the parts of our feet that are breaking down. That lack of cartilage or the bunion we’ve endured for years demand attention. One of the first signs of gout is a painfully enlarged big toe. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks its own tissues.” Posttraumatic arthritis generally results from old foot injuries although it is not restricted to old sports injuries. Women who repeatedly roll their ankles over due to wearing stilettoes or high heels can stress their joints and wear down their cartilage, opening the door for this form of arthritis.

Daily foot pain is not normal and should not be ignored. Once you contact your podiatrist and learn the type of arthritis you have, you can begin learning how to manage your ailment. Sometimes simple solutions such as changing your diet for gout, can significantly reduce or resolve the problem. Exercise can also relieve some arthritis pain. Most people learn to manage arthritis successfully. Below are some links which can help you reclaim your mobility and improve your quality of life.

https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/

https://www.healthline.comhealth/arthritis-toes

https://paindoctor.com/arthritis-in-feet/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoarthritis-pictures/ways-to-ease-arthritis-foot-pain.aspx