Managing Osteoarthritis in Your Feet: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis is a really common condition that affects a lot of people around the world. It's a type of arthritis that affects your joints, making them feel painful, stiff and difficult to move. It can happen in any joint of your body, but it's often found in your feet where your joints experience a lot of stress and pressure. So, in this blog post, we will discuss osteoarthritis of the feet, including what causes it, the symptoms to look out for and how you can treat it.

Causes

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints breaks down over time, resulting in the bones rubbing against each other. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. Several factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in the feet, including:

1. Age: Osteoarthritis is more common in older adults, as the wear and tear on the joints accumulates over time.

2. Injury: Foot injuries, such as fractures or sprains, can damage the cartilage and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

3. Obesity: Carrying extra weight places additional strain on the joints in the feet, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

4. Genetics: Osteoarthritis can be hereditary, meaning that if a family member has the condition, you may be more likely to develop it too.

Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis in the feet can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

1. Pain: Osteoarthritis can cause pain in the feet, particularly when walking or standing for extended periods.

2. Stiffness: The joints in the feet may feel stiff, making it challenging to move them.

3. Swelling: Osteoarthritis can cause swelling in the feet and ankles.

4. Limited range of motion: The joints in the feet may not move as freely as they once did, making it harder to perform everyday tasks such as walking or bending.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, several treatment options are available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Some common treatment options for osteoarthritis of the feet include:

1. Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

2. Stretching exercises:  A customised exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

3. Orthotics: Custom-made orthotics can help support the feet, redistribute pressure, and reduce pain.

4. Laser therapy: Helps reduce pain in the feet by decreasing inflammation and swelling.

5. Surgery: In severe cases of osteoarthritis, surgery may be required to repair or replace the affected joint.

6. Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding high-impact activities can help reduce stress on the joints and reduce pain.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis of the feet can be a painful and debilitating condition that can impact daily life. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing foot pain or stiffness, at Foot Corner one of our podiatrists are able to see you for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

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