Definition

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation ofthe cartilage and lining of the joints. Inflammation causes redness, warmth, painand swelling.

Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. The most commontype is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes excessive strain and thewearing away of cartilage in the joints of the foot. Movement becomes very difficultand painful. The pain and swelling worsens while standing or walking, andstiffness usually occurs after periods of rest.

Gout

Gout is another form of arthritis that also leads to footcomplications. Excess uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints ofthe big toe. The big toe joint is commonly the focal point due to the stressand pressure it experiences during walking and other weight bearing activities.This often leads to severe pain in the big toe. Men are more likely to developgouty arthritis than women.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. It can developat any age and there is no known use for this condition. Rheumatoid arthritisis the most crippling form of the disease that can affect people of all ages.It can cause severe deformities of the joints with associated fatigue of theentire body. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop severeforefoot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and others.

Cause

There are many causes of arthritis. Heredity plays a majorrole. However, arthritic symptoms can develop due to many other factors. Someof these include bacterial and viral infections, prescription and illegaldrugs, traumatic injuries, and bowel disorders such as ileitis and colitis.

Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallettoes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularlyRheumatoid arthritis. Problems can also develop in the heel and ankle area due tothe erosion of the involved joints.

Treatment andPrevention

Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of thearthritic foot includes proper footwear, orthotics, and/or forefoot supports.Arthritic footwear should provide the following benefits:

• High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area).
• Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option toinsert orthotics if necessary.
• Rocker Soles designed to facilitate ambulating {walking} andto reduce stress and pain attire ball-of-the-foot.

Arthritic footwear should also accommodate swelling of the foot. Orthotics designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are also recommended. Orthotics made with a material called Plastazote are often recommended because they mold to your feet to provide customized comfort. The proper footwear and orthotics will reduce pressure to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot. LP footcare products like digicare crests, digicare caps and silicone insoles can provide relief and reduce pain.

Forefoot supports such as gel toe caps, gel toe shields, gel toe straighteners and others can often provide relief.

If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor.