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Living with arthritis can be painful, especially when it affects your feet. Your feet bear the weight of your entire body, and arthritis in the feet can make simple tasks like walking, standing, or climbing stairs feel overwhelming. The good news is that custom orthotics can help reduce your pain and discomfort and protect your joints!

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is not just one condition; it’s a group of disorders that cause joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The most common types that can affect the feet include:

  1. Osteoarthritis (OA): Commonly called “wear-and-tear” arthritis where cartilage breaks down over time.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that attacks joint linings.
  3. Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup, often starting in the big toe.
  4. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joint damage after injury, leading to premature arthritis.
  5. Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked with psoriasis, often affecting toes and ankles.

How Arthritis Manifests in the Feet

While the signs and symptoms of arthritis are complex, there are often many common ways these conditions will present. Look for the following in your feet:

  • Joint stiffness either in the morning or as you begin exercise.
  • Pain and swelling around toes, arches, heels, or ankles.
  • Deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches.
  • Limited range of motion that makes it harder to walk or balance.
  • Tenderness and redness often seen with gout or inflammatory arthritis.
  • Difficulty finding shoes that fit due to swelling or deformities.

How Custom Orthotics Help with Arthritis Foot Pain

Custom orthotics are designed to reduce and offload pressure in the foot, encourage proper alignment in the feet and legs, and make walking and standing easier. Specifically, they can help in many ways:

  • Shock absorption cushions painful joints, reducing impact on feet and ankles.
  • Redistributing pressure prevents excess stress on arthritic or swollen joints.
  • Stability and alignment of foot mechanics eases strain on knees, hips, and lower back.
  • Reduced friction minimizes irritation that can worsen deformities like bunions or hammertoes.
  • Accommodations for deformities such as custom padding or cut-outs relieve pressure on sensitive spots.
  • Heel or arch support helps control motion that may aggravate arthritis pain.

Preventative Steps for Managing Arthritis in the Feet

Orthotics work best when combined with healthy habits. These can include things like:

  • Wearing supportive and accommodative footwear daily to minimize painful pressure irritation on swollen joints.
  • Stretching your feet and legs regularly to maintain mobility and flexibility and to improve your circulation.
  • Staying active with low-impact exercise (like swimming, cycling, or walking) to maintain joint health and reduce comorbidities.
  • Consulting the Arthritis Society for resources, education, and support programs tailored to your medical condition.
  • Seeing a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for assessment, ongoing follow up and personalized care.

Why See a Canadian Certified Pedorthist?

Managing arthritis in the feet requires more than just generic insoles. A Canadian Certified Pedorthist is a foot and lower limb specialist who can assess your unique biomechanics, design custom orthotics, and recommend appropriate footwear tailored to your arthritis needs. With a treatment plan made for your specific concerns, you can stay mobile, reduce pain, and protect your joints for the long term.