Arthritis is a common chronic condition suffered by people, especially as they age. Arthritis often refers to the inflammation of joints, usually caused by overuse. 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. As a result, especially as people age, arthritis can inhibit the activities of daily living.
Feet and ankles, which comprise of 30 joints and 28 bones, are very susceptible to arthritis. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, affects almost everyone during middle age. Arthritic pain can range from moderate to severe, and can also leave someone completely immobile due to its severity.
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 chronic ankle or foot pain.
Arthritis management and foot care:
Arthritis cannot be completely cured, but the progression of the damage and the immobility can be controlled by taking certain steps:
- Maintaining healthy weight that causes minimal pressure to the foot joints
- Reducing activities that have a high impact on feet and ankles (e.g. running)
- Wearing customised shoes and insoles that take the pressure off the joints and provide relief while walking; also minimises pressure and friction.
- Consulting a physiotherapist who can recommend certain exercises meant to retain motion and flexibility in the foot joints.
- Wearing a brace or using a walker or a cane. Walking with an orthopaedic aid assists in taking the pressure off the joints in the ankle and feet.
- Having anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by the doctor that provides temporary relief.
It is important to have yearly consultations with a rheumatologist or a foot specialist in case you have been diagnosed with arthritis, to ensure that there have been no changes to your feet. This prevents further aggravation of arthritic condition.
