Yes, You Can Get Arthritis in Your Feet!

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, and it can appear all around the body, including the toes and feet.

When the joints of the feet become inflamed, patients can find it difficult to:

• bend their feet up or down, 
• react quickly when participating in athletic activities, and,
• move their toes. 

Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing treatment options and tips for caring for arthritic feet. 

 Arthritic joint pain is typically caused by an inflammatory response and is usually felt in the ankle, the middle part of the foot, or the toes. There are several different kinds of arthritis that can affect the feet, including Reactive, Rheumatoid, and Psoriatic arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis, caused by the bones rubbing together, and making the joints feel stiff and painful, is the most common kind. Overweight patients and seniors are more at risk for arthritic feet. Some patients have had it since childhood, making them more susceptible to developing foot deformities like swollen joints and bunions.

 Treatments Options for Arthritic Feet

 While arthritis cannot be cured, the symptoms can be relieved with treatment, so you may continue to jog, exercise, work, and walk without debilitating pain. 

Here are some of the options your podiatrist may recommend to treat arthritis in the feet:

• Joint injections
• X-ray or other imaging tests
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy exercises 
• Orthotics for better foot support
• Surgery to remove inflamed tissue.

Caring for Arthritic Feet

 Seeing your podiatrist is an important part of caring for your arthritic feet. But there are also some things you can do at home to keep your joints and feet in good condition:

• Run some warm water with Epsom salts and soak your feet
• Massage your feet when relaxing
• Commit to doing the foot and toe exercises as suggested by your podiatrist
• Throw away shoes that put too much pressure on your joints, like sneakers or high heels that do not provide adequate support. 

Arthritic feet shouldn't stop you from your normal activities. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, to schedule a visit. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.