• Inflammation in the joints and cartilage

• With so many joints in the foot, it can be particularly problematic

• There are many types; probably the two best known are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis results in a deterioration of the cartilage in the joint

• Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe form of joint deterioration, affecting people of all ages; it can lead to conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and painful nodules on the bottom of the foot

What causes it?

• Heredity, injury, bacterial or viral infections, and other causes

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain, burning, swelling, redness, and gnarling of the joints in some cases

Prevention and Treatments

• Prescription custom orthotics to help cushion and accommodate for the structural foot changes associated with arthritis; orthotics used for people with arthritis require special materials and adaptations to the prescription to increase cushioning
• Special padding to offload specific problem areas of the foot
• Footwear that is properly suited to your foot type. For an illustration of what to look for in footwear at your local shoe store for your type foot, click here; additionally, people with arthritis should wear a shoe with a wide toe box, removable insoles to fit orthotics or other accommodative devices, and a rocker sole to help take the load off the ball of the foot. Your Chiropodist can provide further advice on footwear
• Possibly prescription custom footwear from your Chiropodist, depending on the severity of the structural foot problem
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation; your Physician may prescribe other systemic drugs to manage your arthritis
• Physical therapy to help mobilize arthritic joints

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