Foot arthritis and its effective cures

Foot is one integral body part which needs to be in perfect shape, so as to ensure healthy living. It may sound unbelievable but the fact is that a normal human being needs to take almost a million steps in a year! Hence it is quite natural that after a certain age several foot conditions start raising their heads, foot arthritis being the most common of them. According to medical practitioners, now-a-days, foot problems start showing at much younger age which is indeed a matter of concern. Discussed below are several aspects of foot arthritis and its effective cure.

What is foot arthritis and what are its effects:-

Arthritis results in serious foot conditions which can restrict the patient’s mobility and normal functioning to a great extent. Basically there are three types of arthritis because of which your feet can suffer. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the lining of joints thus destroying bones, joints and tissues. Patient usually starts feeling discomfort in the foot or ankle portion. If not treated at an early stage the problem can take a serious shape. Some researchers feel that the condition is caused because of the presence of some 
particular types of genes.

Osteoarthritis is an even more serious arthritis when cartilages, covering ends of bones, are damaged so that when these uncovered bones rub against each other, it causes stiffness, weakness and severe pain.

Obesity, family history or old age is considered common causes of Osteoarthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis but the only difference is that it develops due to trauma or injury of the foot. Fractures and dislocations are the most common types of injuries that may lead to Post-traumatic arthritis. Most often this problem starts showing years after receiving the injury.

How to be sure about foot arthritis?

The best answer is to visit a foot specialist who will carry out thorough examination of the foot with focus on the painful area. The patient’s medical history is also taken into consideration so as to assess if the foot condition is related to any past foot injury or whether arthritic problems run in the family. Depending on the severity of the condition, the podiatrist may suggest X-ray so as to have a clear view of the bone structure. The patient may be asked to do the Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI, which also assists in diagnosis.

Best cure for foot arthritis:-

If the pain is insufferable, doctors might prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone injections. However such treatments are usually advised for limited period. Podiatrists mainly stress on shifting to comfortable footwear and orthotics like shoe inserts or arch supports, so that your feet get better padding and shielding from extreme stress.

In acute cases, customized shoes or orthotics are recommended. Care needs to be taken so that the orthotic is manufactured as per the Podiatrist’s instructions. Apart from these, physical therapy helps relieving pain and foot stiffness. Doctors further prescribe nutritional supplements so as to strengthen bone structure and body resistance. Surgery like Arthroscopy or joint replacement is mostly regarded as the last resort.