Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Arthritis can take many forms. A person with arthritis may experience different symptoms depending on the type of arthritis they have. 

There are many forms of arthritis in the feet, such as psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and gout.  

Osteoarthritis

The most common culprit is osteoarthritis. A degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis occurs when the tissues inside a joint wear down over time. As the years go by, and we continue to use the affected area, it tends to worsen considerably. In the foot, osteoarthritis is most often found in these three areas: ankle joint, big toe joint (or 1st MTPJ) and through the midfoot.

Many different symptoms are associated with osteoarthritis (and most other forms of arthritis) in the foot. They include:

• Stiffness, swelling and pain in the affected joint
• Trouble with moving the joint or even weight-bearing
• Pain at night or after brief periods of rest
• Pain when moving the joint 

Arthritis can worsen over time. If you start feeling pain, get advice immediately to stop it from getting more severe. The big question is, what can you do about the pain? Great News! There are many options, and combinations of those options provide the best outcomes for our clients.

Support for arthritis

Support is essential when dealing with arthritis.

Maintaining proper foot and leg support throughout the gait cycle is key in reducing pressure on the wrong areas.

Footwear for arthritic feet

It all starts with your footwear.

Your feet can be happy or angry depending on the shoe you wear. A proper fit includes the right size, styles AND correct supportive features. Your shoes should not put any extra pressure on your feet. Proper width can reduce pressure through the metatarsals and proper depth can keep pressure off the midfoot.

Looking for a shoe with features such as a more aggressive rocker sole (the end of the shoe where the toe lifts) can help to reduce pressure through the first ray if your arthritis affects that joint. It’s also important to keep your feet supported at all points of the day, not just outside. Most appropriate styles have adjustable closures to allow for a customized fit for the natural shape of your foot and to accommodate for swelling and bony changes that may occur over time. Don’t forget the indoors! Try out a slipper or sandal to help support the feet, especially in the mornings and at night when the pain creeps back after resting.

Orthotics

Next up, orthotics! When a great orthotic can supplement a fantastic shoe and the duo help to keep pain at bay. Getting assessed by your nearest BioPed Pedorthist is a good stepping stone into orthotics. Having your gait analyzed is important because it will give you information on how you’re walking and where you are putting additional stress on your feet. Orthotics help to redistribute your weight and the pressure through your feet, as well as reduce stress on arthritic joints. Orthotics can fit into all of the shoes that you love, even your slippers! We can always keep those feet supported and happy!

Walking

Last but certainly not least, walking! You are probably wondering, “Why would walking help with arthritis?”. Well, with arthritis, movement helps because it encourages blood flow to the joints of the foot (in addition to the rest of your body). When we encourage blood flow to the joints it helps to improve the production of fluid in the joints that lubricate them, reducing stiffness and pain. All the more reason to get into proper shoes and orthotics so we can make those morning walks even more enjoyable!

If you’re suffering from arthritic pain, we can help.

If you’re in pain or want more information on how to keep your feet/legs happy and healthy, let us know and book an appointment today! At BioPed Footcare, we are here for you. Meet with one of BioPed’s lower limb clinicians to see how we can keep you on your feet and doing more!

*www.arthritis.org

Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Arthritis can take many forms. A person with arthritis may experience different symptoms depending on the type of arthritis they have. 

The four main types of arthritis are
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
Psoriatic arthritis and gout.  

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative form of arthritis. It occurs with age and wear and tear on the joint.

As a joint ages, the cushioning cartilage lining the ends of the bones deteriorates. As a result, the two bones rub together, causing pain and decreased joint function. This type of arthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hands and feet. The hip and knee are responsible for carrying the majority of our body weight. Therefore the large joints are more susceptible to developing OA.
The risk factors for developing OA include:

• being overweight
• muscle weakness
• poor joint alignments such as bowed knees or flat feet
• decreased bone density
• increased age 
• injury or overuse of the joint 

Treatments offering increased shock absorption will help to protect degenerated joints and ease pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that is auto-immune in nature, meaning the body is attacking itself.

This type of arthritis can quickly cause joint deformity. It may also cause bumps under the skin known as rheumatoid nodules. If these nodules occur on the bottom of the feet, they will endure more pressure when weight-bearing, causing pain and possibly skin breakdown. Rheumatoid arthritis is managed with medication and treatments to accommodate toe deformities and offload high pressure areas. 

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), will occur in one-third of individuals with psoriasis; an auto-immune condition affecting the skin.*

It can affect large joints and small joints, such as those in your feet, and in particular, those in your toes. It is not clear why people who have psoriasis develop PsA, but it could be attributed to a certain combination of genes or environmental factors such as stress or infection. A prompt diagnosis is crucial as undiagnosed PsA can lead to joint destruction, weak bones and damage to organs in the body.

Gout

Gout is inflammatory arthritis that can significantly affect a joint causing a sudden onset of pain, swelling and redness.

Sharp crystals of uric acid build-up in the joint resulting in a gouty attack. Gout is controlled with medication but can also be eased with an improved diet, proper footwear and a more efficient walking pattern. 

How can BioPed help you?

What can help ease the discomfort of these different types of arthritis?

Custom foot orthotics (CFOs) are an effective treatment for all types of arthritis. Supporting the foot and reducing pressure on specific areas can protect the joints in the feet and lower body. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians will provide a thorough biomechanical assessment and gait analysis to determine how CFOs can help increase your comfort. 

Your custom orthotics deserve personal attention
– every step of the way!

Our BioPed Clinics come equipped with an on-site lab where our clinicians custom fabricate orthotics to the highest standards in the shortest time possible. Your custom orthotics are fabricated by the same clinician who understands your condition, discomfort, and goals. We make all necessary adjustments on the spot so there is no delay in using them.

We must never underestimate the importance of proper footwear! Our lower limb clinicians advise on footwear to provide added support, shock absorption and cushioning. Wearing supportive shoes will provide stability and support for arthritic joints as inappropriate and ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate symptoms of arthritis. 

The right footwear is imperative when wearing CFOs as they will be an excellent “house or base” for these devices.

Footwear can also be modified if necessary to accommodate your joints and feet as they may change with the arthritic process.  Bracing for the ankles and knees can also increase comfort and protect sore joints. Arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating. 

To learn more on how to support your joints affected by arthritis, contact your local BioPed today. Book an assessment with one of our lower limb clinicians. Let us help you feel more supported and comfortable so you can do more in life!