Posted on July 22, 2008 in Latest News
Arthritis means “inflammation of the joint” or “problems with the joint.” There are many types of arthritis. The inflammatory types are often marked by episodes of stiffness, heat, redness and/ or swelling, and pain. Although it can affect any joint, arthritis frequently shows up first in the feet. Osteoarthritis frequently causes degeneration of the cartilage and bony spurs at the base of the big toe. This is what leads to bunions.
If your feet hurt, you may start to walk differently, favouring certain joints. This can lead to knee and back problems, which also can be aggravated by arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation reports that 37 million men, women, and children are affected by arthritis in the U.S. Professional care, educational programs and intelligent self-care can help prevent tragedy and improve the quality of life of almost every person suffering with arthritis.
How to care for the feet?
- Here are some general tips to care for the feet while suffering from arthritis:
- Wash your feet daily and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Avoid using chemical agents to remove corns and calluses. Avoid cutting or trimming corns or calluses. Cut toenails straight across.
- Shed those extra pounds if any to reduce excess weight on your feet.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and tight footwear.
- Stand during shoe fitting and make sure there is about a half-inch of room between the tip of your longest toe and the shoe tip.
- If you have painful overlapping toes, or you feel like you are walking on rocks, tell your medical specialist. If your foot is turning in, or your shoes are wearing unevenly, call this to the attention of your foot care specialist. If you notice your ankle turns in when you walk, you may need to wear a corrective insert or Orthotic in your shoe. See your foot care specialist.
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