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Can Podiatry Help With Arthritis?

15 July 2024

When you can’t move the way you want to, it may feel easy to accept it as your new normal. But in many cases, it doesn’t have to be! Today, there are many treatment options available for arthritis that aim to get people up and moving once again. Whatever your age, current activity levels, or the extent of your arthritis, podiatry may be able to assist you.

This article explores what arthritis is and if and how podiatry treatments may be able to assist. For personalised advice, contact our team at Capital Podiatry today.

Can Podiatry Help With Arthritis?

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that often causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the joints, bones, and muscles. It may occur anywhere in the body, including the feet and ankles, which may make everyday tasks challenging and often painful.

Arthritis affects nearly 3.7 million Australians, and while it typically affects people aged 75 and older, it may occur in people of any age. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a ‘wear and tear’ form of arthritis that typically affects people as they age. It causes the cartilage that cushions the joints to gradually deteriorate, leading the bones to rub against each other. Without the protection that cartilage provides, this may cause pain and swelling, and you may form bone spurs.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis symptoms may differ from one person to another, but typical symptoms include:

  • Pain with motion
  • Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after resting
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty walking, if arthritis affects the legs and feet

Symptoms tend to develop gradually but may also appear suddenly in some people. They often worsen over time, especially if left untreated without proper management and care.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis may occur due to one or more factors, such as:

  • Age— Arthritis most commonly occurs in people 75 years and older, though it may occur in younger people as well
  • Obesity— Excess weight may put additional stress on the joints, especially in the lower body
    Genetics— Having a family history of arthritis may increase your risk of developing it
  • Previous injuries— Joint injuries, especially repeated injuries, may contribute to developing arthritis later in life
  • Poor biomechanics— Misaligned or improperly functioning feet may contribute to joint stress and lead to arthritis

In some cases, arthritis occurs without any apparent cause.

Arthritis and Podiatry

If you have arthritis in your feet or ankles, podiatry may be able to play a crucial role in managing your condition. Podiatrists are experienced in addressing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs, making them well-equipped to address arthritis issues that affect these areas.

Your specific treatment will depend on your unique experience and condition. Generally, your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms with you and discover how they affect you. They may also watch you walk a little to understand if and how arthritis affects your walking pattern. In some cases, they may also order imaging tests like X-rays to assess your joint damage and to determine the specific type of arthritis you have.

From there, they will work to provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall joint health and aim to develop a personalised treatment plan for you.

Possible Podiatry Treatment Options

Your treatment options will depend on various factors, such as the type of arthritis you have, how severe it is, where it’s located, and how it affects you. They will discuss your options with you, which may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications— These aim to reduce stress on your joints and may involve doing low-impact exercises, weight management, and dietary changes
  • Physiotherapy— Such as specific exercises or podiatry treatments aimed towards improving joint flexibility and strength
  • Orthotics— These are custom shoe inserts designed to address misalignments and reduce pressure on joints
  • Exercises— Specifically designed to improve the structural alignment of your feet and ankles, performed in the clinic or at home
    Redistribution techniques— These aim to reduce pressure on the affected joints
  • Medications— Over-the-counter medications may be suitable, while cortisone injections may assist in managing pain and inflammation
  • Surgical options— While not a typical option, surgical procedures may be worth considering in severe cases to repair or replace damaged joints

Ready to Take the First Step Towards Addressing Arthritis?

Arthritis has the ability to make life more complicated than it needs to be— and we aim to make it easier again! With the proper podiatry care, you may be able to manage your symptoms, improve your mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life. At Capital Podiatry, our experienced team is dedicated to developing personalised treatment plans designed to help you find relief. Don’t let arthritis hold you back— contact us today.

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