Both arthritis and foot pain are major public health problems, with escalating trajectories. Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation frequently accompanied by joint pain. Parts that are generally struck by Arthritis are back, neck, hips, shoulder, hands and knees and also our feet and ankles. Most people in their 60s and 70s have arthritis of the foot and/or ankle that may not cause symptoms. It has been found that women are more prone to arthritis than men. If ignored, this gnawing pain can worsen, often leading to complete immobility of foot.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people age. It is a systemic disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body. Our feet and ankle which comprises of 30 joints and 28 bones are very much susceptible to Arthritis. The deterioration of the bone joints occur when the cartilage wears away and causes the bones to cause friction against each other. This causes pain and decreases movement of the joints. Also, a sudden and traumatic injury such as a broken bone, torn ligament or moderate ankle sprain can cause the injured joint to become arthritic in the future.
The most common symptoms witnessed in case of Arthritis in the foot are pain, swelling and stiffness. It may also lead to development of corns or bunions, and toes can even begin to curl and stiffen in positions called claw toe or hammer toe. Though Arthritis cannot be completely cured, but the progression of the damage and the immobility can be controlled. Foot pain, particularly as it relates to shoes, footwear and arthritis-related disorders may be an important modifiable factor, yet this topic has received little attention in the rheumatology community. However, emerging research suggests that there may be a significant role for foot orthotics and footwear in the treatment Arthritis.
Biomechanical evidence indicates that foot orthotics and specialized footwear may change muscle activation and gait patterns to reduce joint loading. Correcting plantar loading and stabilizing the foot and ankle may reduce the likelihood of foot deformities and walking disability. These devices seek to provide cushioning for the foot, incorporating depressions and reliefs at bony prominence such as a dropped met head or a protruding navicular.
It is recommended to get treatment as early as possible for ankle or foot arthritis.
You should contact CuraFoot Clinic for an appointment immediately if you are worried about an ankle or foot pain.
