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Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how they affect the body, especially the lower limbs, is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This blog post explores four common types of arthritis—osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout—and discusses how orthotics can help manage these conditions.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain and stiffness. The inflammation can result from various causes, including wear and tear, autoimmune responses, and crystal deposits in the joints. Here, we’ll look at the basic physiology of each type and how it affects the lower limbs.

  1. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. In the lower limbs, OA commonly affects the knees, hips, and ankles, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
  2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This results in inflammation that can damage the joint tissue and cause severe pain and deformity. RA frequently affects the base of toe joints in the feet, causing difficulty in walking and significant discomfort.
  3. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. In the lower limbs, PsA can affect the toes, ankles, and knees, leading to symptoms like “sausage” toes (dactylitis) and heel pain (enthesitis).
  4. Gout is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling. It commonly affects the big toe but can also impact the knees, ankles, and other joints in the lower limbs.

How Orthotics Can Help

Foot orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that provide support, alignment, and cushioning for the feet. They can play a crucial role in managing arthritis by redistributing pressure, improving joint alignment, and reducing pain. Here’s how orthotics can benefit each type of arthritis:

  1. Osteoarthritis: For OA, orthotics can help by:
  • Providing cushioning to reduce impact on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips
  • Improving foot alignment to decrease strain on affected joints
  • Distributing weight more evenly to alleviate pressure points
  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: In RA, orthotics can:
  • Offer support to the arches of the feet, reducing strain on inflamed joints
  • Include cushioned pads to alleviate pressure and prevent deformities
  • Help maintain proper foot alignment, minimizing pain and discomfort
  1. Psoriatic Arthritis: Orthotics for PsA can:
  • Provide customized support to accommodate joint swelling and deformities
  • Cushion the feet to reduce pain from dactylitis and enthesitis
  • Improve overall foot function and mobility
  1. Gout: For gout, orthotics can:
  • Offer a cushioned environment to protect sensitive joints during flare-ups
  • Improve weight distribution to minimize stress on the big toe and other affected areas
  • Support the arches to reduce overall foot strain

Custom Foot Orthotics: A Key Piece of the Treatment Plan

Custom foot orthotics are tailored to an individual’s specific foot shape and condition, offering the most effective relief. They can be worn during various activities, including walking, running, and standing for long periods. For those with arthritis, wearing orthotics more “full-time” can help manage symptoms throughout the day. You can consider wearing your custom orthotics during any of the following times:

  • During flare-ups of pain and inflammation.
  • When engaging in activities that put stress on the joints.
  • To improve overall foot function and alignment.

Incorporating Footwear and Bracing

Custom orthotics should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes appropriate footwear and, in some cases, soft or rigid bracing. Proper footwear can enhance the effectiveness of orthotics by providing additional support and stability. Bracing can offer extra support and limit joint movement during severe flare-ups.

If you or someone that you know is suffering with joint pain or has been diagnosed with arthritis, know that we are here to help. Your clinical team at BioPed is eager to help create a tailored treatment plan with custom solutions just for you to suit your needs. Visit us today to get back to doing more of what you love!