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Nov 16, 2007 - ArthritisBack
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 millions of people who suffer from arthritis. The primary targets for arthritis are people over the age of 50. Arthritis may be the cause of foot pain because each foot has 33 joints that can become affected by the disease.
Osteoarthritis:
There are many different types of arthritis. The most common type is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may cause 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. When the big toe joint is affected the condition is referred to Hallux Limitus / Hallux Rigidus.
The mid-foot is another area affected by osteoarthritis and like hallux rigidus / limitus is often associated with some type of biomechanical foot function disorder
Gout:
Gout is another form of arthritis that may lead to foot complications. Excess uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints. For an unknown reason the big toe joint is commonly affected in gout. The condition leads to severe pain in the big toe – suffers describe it as the most painful condition they have ever had. 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, is thought to be an autoimmune syndrome although the cause for this condition remain unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of arthritic diseases and can affect 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 significant forefoot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, and others
Cause:
There are many causes of arthritis and heredity plays a role. Often the exact cause remains unknown. 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 including hammertoes, 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 from erosion of the involved joints
Treatment & Prevention:
Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of foot problem associated arthritis includes proper footwear, prescription foot orthoses, and/or forefoot supports. 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 designed to facilitate walking and to reduce stress and pain at the ball-of-the-foot.
Footwear for those with arthritis should also accommodate swelling of the foot. Orthoses designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are recommended. Orthoses made with softer materials are tolerated best because they mould to your feet and provide customized comfort. The use of proper footwear and prescription foot orthoses will reduce pressure and provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot.
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