Arthritis in the feet and ankles can make even the simplest activities, like walking and standing, difficult and painful. Stiffness, swelling and discomfort can impact daily life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage symptoms and improve mobility. Here’s what you need to know about foot arthritis and how to alleviate discomfort:

Understanding Arthritis in the Feet

Foot arthritis happens when inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints lead to pain and stiffness. The most common type of arthritis affecting the feet is osteoarthritis, which results from the cartilage in the joints wearing down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks the joints and also commonly affects the feet. You can also develop a version of arthritis after a foot injury. Signs of arthritis in the feet include swelling, tenderness, mobility challenges and pain that is exacerbated with activity.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Although arthritis in the feet is considered a long-term condition, there are still ways to ease the discomfort. The right shoes can make a significant difference in managing arthritis pain. Supportive footwear with proper arch support, cushioning and wide soles helps reduce pressure placed on the joints. Avoid high heels and flat shoes with little or no arch support, including sandals or flat dress shoes.

Explore Inserts and Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts can provide extra support and cushioning, helping alleviate pressure on arthritic joints. These inserts can improve foot alignment, distribute weight more evenly and reduce pain when walking or standing. Consult your podiatrist to figure out which type of orthotics are best for you based on your specific needs, whether it’s extra arch support, shock absorption or pressure relief for certain points of your feet.

Try Gentle Stretches and Exercises

Keeping the feet and ankles flexible can help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Simple exercises like toe stretches, ankle circles and resistance band exercises can strengthen the surrounding muscles, providing better joint support. The important thing is to do gentle stretches and mild exercises regularly. Be careful not to overextend, as this can cause further discomfort.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight puts added stress on the feet and can worsen arthritis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise can reduce strain on the joints, which helps improve mobility. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling and yoga are good options for people with arthritis, as they keep you active without increasing foot pain. Always consult your doctor before changing your exercise regimen.

Use Ice and Heat Therapies

Like any condition where inflammation is a concern, cold compresses like ice packs can help reduce swelling and pain. This is especially true after prolonged activity, including long durations of walking or standing or high-impact activities like running. Heat therapy, including warm soaks or heating pads, helps loosen stiff joints and promotes circulation.

Professional Treatment

When arthritis in the feet becomes severe and non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, further intervention may be necessary. In this case, a podiatrist may recommend a course of treatments, like medications, injections or surgeries, to alleviate discomfort and manage symptoms. For example, triple arthrodesis is a procedure that fuses three joints in the back of the foot. This eliminates movement in the affected joints, which can provide long-term relief. This is one of the many surgical options available to treat arthritis in the feet. Speak with your podiatrist to figure out which treatment is best for you.

Managing foot arthritis is possible with the right steps. From supportive footwear to medical treatment, there are many ways to find relief and improve mobility. North Texas Foot & Ankle provides expert care to help you manage foot and ankle arthritis, whether through conservative treatments or advanced surgical options like triple arthrodesis. If foot pain from arthritis affects your daily life, schedule an appointment with us today to take the first step toward healthier feet!