What is foot arthritis?
Two types of arthritis are identified: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the foot.
Rheumatic arthritis
This is a disease of the immune system causing the deterioration of the inner lining of the joints. It generally affects the hands and feet, possibly resulting in deformation of the joints, it is often accompanied by hallux valgus, hammertoes, and pain in the heel, the Achilles tendon, and the ankle.
Foot osteoarthritis
This corresponds to a very frequent degenerative disease also affecting the joints. Although it starts earlier, the first symptoms often appear between 40 and 50 years of age. It is characterized by the presence of mechanical pains, which are accentuated by effort and the difficulty of certain joint movements.
The two types of arthritis may lead to:
- Stiffness in the joints;
- Inflammation;
- Pain, especially during walking.
Over time, the disease leads to degeneration, up to total disappearance, of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the joint. Bony prominences then form, hindering movements even further.
Foot and ankle arthritis is very painful and can hinder walking. Although this is an incurable disease, several treatments may help relieve the discomfort.
Treatment solutions for foot arthritis
- Opt for a foot orthosis
A foot orthosis can help the symptoms of foot arthritis: it supports the plantar arch, distributes the pressure under the foot, stabilizes the ankle and improves comfort and control of pronation while walking.
- Choose an orthopedic shoe
It is recommended to wear an adapted shoe that respects the anatomy of the foot, decompresses the toes, stabilizes the ankle and helps in walking. The features to prioritize are plenty of space in the forefoot, high reinforcements, a heel lower than one inch and a rocker sole.
- Turn to a custom-made shoe
A custom-made shoe is made according to specific characteristics to meet the needs of your condition. It has the necessary space to contain the deformations and the foot orthosis and allows increased efficacy.
