Foot Arthritis
Foot Arthritis Treatment at Active Recovery, Courtice
Arthritis in the feet is a common condition that can cause significant pain, stiffness, and swelling, impacting your ability to walk and perform daily activities. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout being the most frequently treated by foot and ankle specialists. Given the considerable stress placed on the feet during walking and running, the joints in the feet are particularly susceptible to the degenerative effects of arthritis.
Common symptoms of foot arthritis include joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, the formation of bone spurs, and deformity. These symptoms can vary in severity and may affect one or multiple joints in the feet, leading to discomfort and a reduced quality of life.
Causes of Flat Feet:
- Heredity and genetic predisposition
- Aging and wear-and-tear over time
- Viral or bacterial infections that can trigger inflammatory responses
- Excessive body weight, which increases stress on foot joints
- Prescription and illegal drug use that may impact joint health
- Systemic diseases like diabetes or lupus
- Trauma or injury to the foot
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes that do not support the feet properly
What Can You Do?
- Wear supportive shoes daily to reduce stress on your foot joints
- Engage in a physical therapy program or regular exercise to maintain joint mobility and strength
- Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation or use hot packs to relieve stiffness
- Soak your feet in lukewarm water to ease discomfort
- Use shock-absorbing insoles to reduce impact on your joints while walking
What Can We Do at Active Recovery?
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation
- Provide custom orthotics or recommend changes in footwear to better support your feet and alleviate symptoms
- Develop a personalized physical therapy plan to improve joint function and reduce pain
- If conservative treatments are ineffective, discuss surgical options to address severe cases of arthritis and restore foot function
