What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an accumulation of fluid in the joints. More than 100 different types of arthritis have been identified.

What causes arthritis ?
Arthritis is believed to be hereditary, but it has also been associated with many different illnesses. Arthritis can be induced by :
• Joint injuries (especially if they aren’t treated promptly)
• Bacterial and viral infections of the joint
• Certain drugs
• Bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and ileitis
Because there are so many different origins, your doctor may not be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your arthritis.

Is arthritis in my feet serious ?
If your feet hurt, you may start to walk differently, favoring certain joints. This can lead to knee and back problems, which also can be aggravated by arthritis.

If foot pain is not relieved, you may avoid standing and walking. As a result, body muscles may weaken just when you need the strength to support arthritic joints. If you experience persistent foot pain, see your podiatrist. He or she can assess the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Can arthritis be cured ?
While most forms of arthritis can’t be cured, they can be controlled. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Relieving the pain, controlling the inflammation and preserving or restoring joint function are the goals of any treatment program. A wide variety of drugs can treat arthritis. Your doctor also may recommend physical therapy, exercise and/or the use of shoe inserts.

Treatment Options
Talk to your doctor about which of the following will work best for you :

• Medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
• Exercise and physical therapy to preserve foot flexibility
• Use of special shoes to relieve pain
• Shoe inserts (orthotic devices) prescribed by your podiatrist and molded to your feet to help improve foot function
• Surgery to repair or replace severely damaged joints.

Footnote
See your podiatrist right away if you have persistent foot pain. Prompt foot care may help prevent the later onset of painful knee, hip and lower back problems.

Common types of arthritis

1.Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis afflicts virtually everyone, to some degree, after age 60. It is often called degenerative arthritis or “joint wear and tear” because it breaks down cartilage and bone. Any condition that puts stress on the joints – obesity, repetitive joint motion and injury – may trigger osteoarthritis.

Symptoms include :
• Pain and stiffness
• Dull, throbbing pain at night
• Muscle weakness

2.Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is complex system of diseases with many symptoms that can affect the entire body. In its most serious form, it causes painful, badly damaged joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system turns against the body, instead of protecting it. It usually comes on abruptly. It frequently affects joints in a symmetrical pattern (for example, it may affect the same joints in both feet). Often symptoms will appear and disappear. Women are much more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms include :
• Joint inflammation
• Swelling
• Difficulty moving
• Pain
Additional symptoms may include fatigue, morning stiffness, weight loss or slight fever.

3.Gout
Gout (or gouty arthritis) is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is usually dissolved in the blood and then passed through the kidneys.

If you have gout, the uric acid changes into crystals that form deposits in joints and other tissues. Gout usually affects the big toe, knees and wrists.

Men are more likely than women to get gout. The use of diuretics can cause gout or make it worse. Eating red meat and rich sauces or drinking alcohol also may be related to gout.

Symptoms include :
• Sever pain
• Swelling in the joints

What can I do to ease my arthritis ?
Living comfortably with arthritis involves a balance between activity and rest. Some types of arthritis require activity to alleviate stiffness and pain. Others require rest. You may find that talking about your arthritis helps. Your podiatrist can recommend a support group in your area.

Should I stop exercising ?
Arthritis doesn’t have to slow you down. If you enjoy fitness activities or sports, choose a new sport that’s easy on your feet (such as swimming) or participate in an old sport at a reduced activity level. Keep moving and stick to the arthritis treatment plan your podiatrist has advised. It’s your best bet for living comfortably and taking arthritis in stride.

What kind of shoes should I wear ?
If you have arthritis, you may need special shoes to walk more comfortable. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you.

Shoe Shopping Tips
If you are able to wear regular shoes, consider these points when shopping for shoes :

• Buy at the end of the day when your feet have swelled slightly.
• Walk around in the shoes to see how they really fell.
• Try on both shoes, because one foot is often larger than the other. Always buy for the larger foot.
• Choose shoes that feel comfortable immediately. Don’t expect shoes to stretch.
• Make sure the ball of the foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
• Stand during shoe fitting and make sure there is about a half inch of room between the tip of your longest toe and the shoe tip.
• Make sure the heel fits well with little or no slippage.

Six steps to healthier feet.
Taking good care of your feet is a daily investment in your lifelong health and comfort. You can prevent or minimize most problems by adopting a routine of daily foot care and following these simple guidelines.

1. Wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit your feet.
2. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
3. Keep your toenails trimmed short and straight across.
4. Apply cream or lotion to feet to keep skin smooth and supple.
5. Wear clean socks or stockings and avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row.
6. See your podiatrist for any sever or persistent foot problems.

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