Arthritis is a huge factor in disability in the United States with at least 54 million people have been diagnosed with the condition.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and frequently occurs in one or both feet. It occurs over time, with cartilage between bones slowly wearing away. This can leave you with swelling and pain.
Are you currently suffering from foot osteoarthritis and wondering what you can do for the pain? You are in the right place. Keep reading below for the four top ways to relieve your arthritis pain.
1. Stretch Your Muscles
Feet go ignored when people focus on getting in shape or toning up specific muscles. But stretching and exercising your feet, especially if you suffer from foot osteoarthritis, is very important.
To decrease your foot pain, always try to stretch your Achilles tendon. This is the thick cord tendon right above your heel. Check out tips for safely stretching this and surrounding areas.
Stretching is important but start slow. You don’t want to hurt yourself by overdoing it.
2. Choose Correct Shoes
One of the most important steps to take in managing arthritis in your feet is finding and wearing shoes that provide you ample support.
Make sure your shoes are wide so that they don’t put pressure on calluses or bunions. Avoid high heels as much as you can as these will put large amounts of pressure on the balls of your feet.
Shoes also need to have proper arch support. With good arch support, you stabilize other joints in your leg that may have been impacted by your arthritis.
Getting custom orthotics can also help you decrease your overall pain.
3. Medication
Medication, both over the counter and prescribed, can be great options for managing foot osteoarthritis. Anti-inflammatory medication can be taken safely by most people.
Available NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. These will reduce the pain and swelling in and around your joints. Always follow package directions and follow any instructions you receive from your doctor.
In addition to anti-inflammatory meds, those suffering from arthritis in their feet can also use topical creams. Look for creams with capsaicin, something found in peppers. It is believed to decrease the body’s ability to transmit pain.
4. Surgery When Necessary
While scary, one last option for foot pain from arthritis is surgery. There are two main options: joint replacements and joint fusions.
If you have excess movement causing pain, you will go with fusion. If you lack the proper range of motion, you will work to mobilize the join through replacements.
Something to keep in mind is that even after surgery, pain can come back.
Keep Foot Osteoarthritis at Bay
Now that you have four helpful tips, you should be well on your way to pain relief. No matter how long you have been suffering from foot pain, these tips will help to decrease your discomfort.
Do you have some additional questions? Feel free to reach out, we would love to help you find relief.