What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is actually a form of chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system actually attacks the tissue that lines the joints. This inflammation and attack from the immune system causes damage to the cartilage and bones within the joints as well as the tissue which is what leads to the pain and swelling.
While rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, it tends to target the smaller joints first which is why it’s a commonly seen form of arthritis in the feet.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most commonly seen form of arthritis for those who struggle with it. It’s a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage found within the joints to break down, and without the cartilage to cushion them it causes the bones to rub together, leading to pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints within the big toe, but it can also affect the rest of the foot and ankle.
What about the symptoms of arthritis in the feet?
As with anywhere in the body that is affected by arthritis, the feet can experience a number of different symptoms, including;
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Walking difficulties
- Numbness
- Tingling feeling
- Changes to shape of the foot
While these symptoms may not affect everyone who is suffering from arthritis in their feet, it is possible to experience any number or all of the above. They will vary on a person to person basis and can even change depending on the severity of the arthritis. In some cases, only mild symptoms may be present and may only occur after a prolonged period of activity such as walking or playing sports, in other cases the symptoms can be so severe that they make it difficult to walk or even stand.
Struggling with arthritis in the feet can cause a serious impact to the quality of life of an individual, making it difficult for them to participate in normal day to day activities such as walking, running or playing sports. The effects of arthritis can also make it difficult for an affected individual to take care of their normal daily life too, such as looking after their children or pets, working or cleaning their home.
Can arthritis be cured?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive cure for arthritis, but there are a range of things that can help with managing or relieving the symptoms, including medication and physical therapy.
Medication tends to help with relieving the symptoms of pain and inflammation rather than actively dealing with assisting in managing the cause of the condition. Physical therapy takes the opposite route and rather than trying to fight the symptoms is focused on strengthening the muscles and improving the range of motion.
There are also special forms of insoles known as orthoses which are specially moulded to your feet, allowing you to stand and walk without putting any additional pressure on the affected joints. Protective shields can also be used to help with relieving pressure or reducing friction on the feet.
At The Nantwich Clinic, we take the route of physical therapy using massage, manipulation and mobilisation techniques to aid those who are suffering from arthritis. These forms of physical therapy are designed with a view to improving the function and alignment of the affected joints, helping the individual to move more freely and without as much pain. We also provide state of the art machinery that can successfully deliver lasting pain relief without the need for you to take pain killers.
To find out more about the possible treatment options we are able to provide for arthritis in the feet, or to book a consultation with one of our podiatry team, contact us on 01270 627118 or book an appointment by clicking here.
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