Arthritis of the Foot
View Ladies shoes for this Foot Condition now
What is Arthritis
How do you some up such a complex and massive medical problem that effects so many people? We will be brief and suffice to say that there are two most common types of arthritis. These are; Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs as your joints become inflamed due to abnormal wear and tear of your cartilage (the cushion between joints), this often occurs due to your age and over time. As your cartilage disappears, your joints come into contact with each other causing them to be stiff and the area becomes inflamed and painful.
As opposed to age and wear and tear over time, Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be a result of external factors or existing diseases. It is often first seen in the foot and ankle, symptoms include pain, soft swelling, feeling of warmth in the effected area, restricted movement and stiffness that increases when moving. In addition a gradual deformity of the joint can occur.
There are a lot of joints in the foot and any form of Arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating. Shoe inserts may provide some degree of relief from the pressure and pain experienced whilst walking or when wearing shoes.
What to look for in a shoe if you have Arthritis
It probably doesn't need saying, but we will anyway, DO NOT wear tight fitting shoes, this will make the pressure and pain in your joints worse. Please don't be tempted to wear shoes that are too big for you either in order to accommodate shoe inserts or odd deformities caused by your Arthritis. Wearing shoes and especially slippers that are too big can lead to further injury if you fall, trip or slip as a result. You may wear an orthotic insert that you have bought 'off the shelf', or has been tailored by a podiatrist. You will need to account for this when looking for a healthy and comfortable pair of shoes.
The check list below has been developed to help you find a pair of shoes that you are happy with and are also healthy for your feet. Depending on the style of shoe you want, you may focus on all or most of them.
- Know your shoe size, sounds like common sense but when was the last time you had yours measured?
- Make sure that the shoes you are buying will be wide enough for your feet, If you generally have problems finding shoes that are wide enough then it may be worth getting them measured in person at a reputable shoe shop.
- Make sure that there is enough room in the shoe for any insole or orthotic insert you wear. Look for a shoe with a removable insert or one that is deep enough to accommodate yours
- Wear shoes that have a cushioned and roomy toe box and preferably shoes that will allow you to adjust the width. Look for fastenings such as velcro and lases that come as far to the toe end of the shoe as possible.
- Measure your feet with any form of supportive aid that you wear regularly on
- Whether you are working on your feet all day, hiking or taking part in sport, make sure your footwear is appropriate to that activity
- Think about the material that your shoe is made of, avoid synthetic and hard materials and opt for a natural soft leather or alternative that will allow your feet to breath naturally
