Arthritis

Definition

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body’s joints.  Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain and swelling.  There are about 40 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. According to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, it is estimated that by the year 2020, about 60 million Americans will have arthritis The primary targets for arthritis are people over the age of 50.  Arthritis is a major cause of foot pain.  This is because each foot has 33 joints which can become affected by the disease.

Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis.  The most common type is called osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis causes excessive strain and the wearing away of cartilage in the joints of the foot.  Movement becomes very difficult and painful.  The pain and swelling worsens while standing or walking, and stiffness usually occurs after periods of rest.

Gout

Gout is another form of arthritis that also leads to foot complications. Excess uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints of the big toe.  The big toe joint is commonly the focal point due to the stress and pressure it experiences during walking and other weight bearing activities.  This often leads to severe pain in the big toe.  Men are more likely to develop gouty arthritis than women.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.  It can develop at any age and there is no known cause for this condition.  Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of the disease that can effect people of all ages.  It can cause severe deformities of the joints with associated fatigue of the entire body.  People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop severe forefoot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and others.

Cause

There are many causes of arthritis.  Heredity plays a major role.  However, arthritic symptoms can develop due to many other factors.  Some of these include bacterial and viral infections, prescription and illegal drugs, traumatic injuries, and bowel disorders such as ileitis and colitis.

Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularly Rheumatoid arthritis.  Problems can also develop in the heel and ankle area due to the erosion of the involved joints.

Treatment and Prevention

Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of the arthritic foot includes proper footwear, orthotics, and/or forefoot supports.  Arthritic footwear should provide the following benefits:

• High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
• Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert  orthotics if necessary.
• Rocker Soles ­ These soles are designed to facilitate ambulating (walking) and to reduce stress and pain at the ball-of-the-foot.

Arthritic footwear should also accommodate swelling of the foot.  Orthotics designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are also recommended.  Orthotics made with a material called Plastazote are often recommended because they mold to your feet to provide customized comfort.  The proper footwear and orthotics will reduce pressure to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot.

Forefoot supports such as gel toe caps, gel toe shields, gel toe straighteners and others can often provide relief.

If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor.

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