Tips for Managing Foot Arthritis

Arthritis is a progressive joint disease that can reduce the mobility of your feet and ankles. This degenerative condition is most common in older adults, but can develop in people of any age, including those with a history of foot and ankle injuries that didn’t heal properly.

At Adler Foot and Ankle in North Miami Beach and Hallandale, Florida, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating the many different types of arthritis that can affect your lower extremities. We use in-office X-rays and other imaging technologies to identify arthritis in the earliest stage, when treatment is usually most effective.

Laura Adler, DPM, and Charlton, Adler, DPM also provide guidance to help you proactively manage arthritis and its symptoms, so you can prevent the condition from getting worse.

What to know about foot arthritis

There are over 100 types of arthritis that affect the health and function of your joints. The most common types that develop in the feet and ankles include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage that lines the ends of the bones within a joint breaks down and wears away. The loss of the cartilage allows the bones to rub together, triggering inflammation and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to erroneously attack otherwise healthy joint tissues, leaving the affected joint swollen, stiff, and painful.

Gout

Gout occurs when uric acid levels build up in the blood. The acid forms sharp crystals that stab nearby joints, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Most often, gout affects the big toe joint.

Five tips for managing foot arthritis

Because arthritis can worsen over time without proper care, it’s critical that you take steps now to reduce your risk for arthritis complications later.

In addition to using anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, our podiatrists recommend that you also practice self-care tips to minimize your risk for long-term arthritis complications.

Here are five proactive care tips to manage foot arthritis and its symptoms:

1.Check for calluses

Calluses are hardened patches of skin that develop on your toes and feet due to increased pressure from tight shoes — or conditions like arthritis.

Check your feet regularly to identify calluses, which can be an early sign of arthritis. Your big toe joint is often the first place that an arthritis-related callus will develop.

2. Don’t ignore heel pain

When arthritis develops in your toe joints, it can cause problems in other areas of your foot, including the heel. RA in particular can cause widespread inflammation and pain that persists and is difficult to relieve with just over-the-counter medications and rest.

If heel pain lasts for more than a week, book a diagnostic evaluation at Adler Foot and Ankle to find out what’s causing it.

3. Engage in daily stretching exercises

If you already have arthritis, be sure to do gentle stretching exercises at least once a day to keep your muscles and tendons flexible. When these tissues are tight, it can make your arthritis pain worse.

You’ll want to perform stretches that target your calves, hamstrings, and the arch of your foot. We can also refer you to a physical therapist if your tissues are overly tight, or if arthritis pain makes stretching difficult.

4. Invest in high-quality footwear

Arthritis can become progressively worse if your feet aren’t protected during activity. Invest in a few pairs of well-fitting shoes that have a thick, cushioned sole. Don’t wear high heels, flip flops, or other shoes styles that lack support, and avoid going barefoot — even at home.

We can also determine if you’re a candidate for custom orthotics that provide your feet and ankles with additional support.

5. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints, especially those in your feet, toes, and ankles. This can cause arthritis to progress quickly and make pain and other symptoms harder to manage.

Speak with your primary care physician about weight loss strategies you can use to shed extra pounds. If your feet hurt too much to stay active in support of your weight loss efforts, talk with our providers about your options for pain management or joint replacement surgery.

Expert foot arthritis management

Are you dealing with activity-restricting, mobility-limiting foot arthritis? We can help. Call your nearest Adler Foot and Ankle office in Hallandale or North Miami Beach, Florida, today to learn more strategies you can use to manage foot arthritis — or book an appointment online with our team anytime.