3 ways to prevent arthritis in your feet

Arthritis is a type of disease that occurs when the joints in your body become inflamed. The inflammation of the joints typically causes people with this condition to experience pain and stiffness. There are at least 100 different types of arthritis that exist, but most generally involve almost the same sets of symptoms. It also commonly affects the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. It’s important to note that there is no cure for arthritis, but there are several ways to manage your symptoms after diagnosis for a higher quality of life. 

Joint inflammation can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, especially if it causes stiffness and pain in the extremities like the hands or the feet. If you have a family history of arthritis in your feet, you may want to take a few extra precautions to try to prevent arthritis from developing in the first place.

What are some of the risk factors of arthritis in the feet?

If you’re hoping to prevent developing arthritis in your feet, you may benefit from understanding the types of risk factors that may increase your chances of joint inflammation.

• Family history — One of the first things you’ll want to know about your risk of developing arthritis is if your family has a history of the condition. If so, you may have a higher chance of getting arthritis yourself. 
• Obesity — Those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing arthritis. Excess weight can exacerbate stress on the joints and result in inflammation.
• Joint injury — If you’ve had an injury in the past that affected your joints, you may also be at a higher risk of eventually developing arthritis.
• Smoking — Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. If you are a smoker, you may be more likely to experience joint inflammation.

Are there specific types of arthritis that mostly affect your feet?

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis involves the cartilage in the joints of the body breaking down, which eventually affects the bone. This can be painful to experience in the feet and can make walking difficult. 
• Post-traumatic arthritis — Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that usually occurs after an individual has experienced a traumatic injury. Common types of traumatic injuries that may increase the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis include fractures in the foot and injuries that affect the joints, like dislocation.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is another common type of arthritis that affects the feet. It’s considered an autoimmune disorder because it’s caused by the body’s immune system. It can make the feet very painful to walk on.

In what ways can you work to prevent arthritis in your feet?

• Go to a physical therapy consultation — One of the best ways you can work to prevent the development of arthritis in your feet is by going to a physical therapy consultation. A physical therapist will be able to assess the state of your feet and your foot health. Then they’ll determine if you’re more at risk depending on the condition of your feet. They’ll work with you to develop a plan of action to address the risk of arthritis and implement an exercise routine to keep your joints supported while reducing any existing inflammation. If you’ve already developed arthritis, they can help you manage your symptoms, like stiffness, pain and inflammation, through unique movements and treatments. 
• Wear the right kinds of shoes — Another way you can reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis in the feet is by wearing the right kinds of shoes. You’ll want to wear shoes that support your arches and ankles while promoting blood flow. Finding supportive shoes can significantly improve your foot health, especially when worn frequently early on.
• Stretch your feet frequently — You can work to prevent developing arthritis in the feet by stretching your feet frequently. This helps reduce tension and pressure around the joints as well as boost circulation in the feet.

If you already have arthritis, what are some treatment methods to manage it?

• Go to physical therapy.
• Take medication.
• Perform regular movement.
• Wear a brace.
• Get a corticosteroid shot.
• Undergo surgery.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT to help prevent your chances of arthritis in the feet

Are you concerned about developing arthritis in your feet? At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you prevent your chances of developing arthritis in the feet. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!