ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body joints. Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. There are approximately 40 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is a major cause of foot pain because each foot has 33 joints that can become affected by the disease. There is no way to avoid the pain of the tremendous weight bearing leveled on the foot. While the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infants to middle age are potential victims. People over 50 years old are the primary targets.

Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence, but that may be avoided with early diagnosis and proper medical care.

Causes of Arthritis:

Besides heredity, arthritic symptoms may arise in a number of ways.

• Through injuries most often in athletes and industrial workers, especially if these injuries have been ignored.
• Through bacterial and viral infections that strike the joints. The same organisms that are present in pneumonia, gonorrhea, Staphylococcal infections, and Lyme disease cause the inflammations.
• In conjunction with bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis, frequently resulting in arthritic conditions in the joints of the ankles and toes. Such inflammatory bowel diseases seem distant from arthritis, but treating them can relieve arthritic pain.
• Using drugs, both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs, can induce arthritis.

Symptoms: Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet it is important to see a podiatrist if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Swelling in one or more joints.
• Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint.
• Redness or heat in a joint.
• Limitation in motion of a joint.
• Early morning stiffness.
• Skin changes, including rashes and growths.

FORMS OF ARTHRITIS:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is frequently called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis, although it can be brought on suddenly by an injury, its onset is generally gradual; aging brings on a breakdown in cartilage, and pain gets progressively more severe, although it can be relieved with rest. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic, and it may be accompanied by muscle weakness or deterioration.

It is a particular problem for the feet when people are overweight, simply because there are so many joints in each foot. The additional weight contributes to the deterioration of cartilage and the development of bone spurs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a major crippling disorder and perhaps the most serious form of arthritis. It can develop at any age. There is no known cause for this condition. It can cause severe deformities of the joints which are associated with fatigue of the entire body. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop severe foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and claw toes.

Women are three or four times more likely than men to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis has a much more acute onset than osteoarthritis. It is characterized by alternating periods of remission, during which symptoms disappear, and exacerbation, marked by the return of inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Serious joint deformity and loss of motion frequently result from acute rheumatoid arthritis. However, the disease symptoms have been known to be active for months, or years, and then abate sometimes permanently.

GOUT:

Gouty arthritis is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid salts, a normal byproduct of the diet in the joints. The big toe joint is the most commonly affected area, approximately 90% of the time. The big toe joint is commonly the focal point due to stress and pressure during walking and other weight bearing activities. Men are more likely to develop gouty arthritis than women. A diet containing a lot of red meat, rich sauces, shellfish, and alcohol is popularly associated with gout; however, there are other protein compounds in foods such as lentils and beans that may play a role.

DIAGNOSIS:

Different forms of arthritis affect the body in different ways; many have distinct systemic affects that are not common to other forms. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment. Destruction of cartilage is not reversible, and if the inflammation of arthritic disease is not treated, both cartilage and bone can be damaged, which makes the joints increasingly more difficult to move. Most forms of arthritis cannot be cured, but can be controlled or brought into remission; perhaps only 5% of the most serious cases, usually of rheumatoid arthritis, results in severe crippling disease.

TREATMENT:

The objective of treatment of arthritis is controlling inflammation, preserving joint function, and joint disease if at all possible.

Because the foot is such a frequent target, the podiatrist is often the first physician to encounter some of the complaints – inflammation, pain, stiffness, excessive warmth, and injuries.

Arthritis may be treated in many ways. Patient education is important. Physical therapy and exercise may be indicated, accompanied by medication. Conservative treatment of the arthritic foot includes proper footwear, orthotics, and/or forefoot supports.

The control of foot functions with shoe inserts called orthoses or with braces, or specially prescribed shoes may be recommended. Surgical intervention is a last resort in arthritis, as it is with most disease conditions; replacement of damaged joints with artificial joints is a possible surgical procedure.

Arthritis Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes that conform to the shape of your foot.
• Wear shoes with a high and wide toe box.
• Have your feet measured by a professional each time you purchase shoes and fit the shoe to the larger foot.
• Avoid high-heel shoes over 1.5-inches tall.
• Rocker soles facilitate walking and reduce stress and pain at the ball of the foot.
• Seek professional podiatric care if your feet are uncomfortable or painful.