4 Must-Know Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics aren’t flimsy shoe inserts that offer only temporary relief; they’re one of the most powerful podiatry treatments available. Keep reading to discover several benefits they have to offer.
Tips to Relieve Foot Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a four-letter word for people who suffer with its symptoms. And when this condition plagues your feet, some days can feel as though you can hardly get from here to there without significant pain.
Enough is enough.
Whether you recently developed arthritis, you’ve had it for years, or you’re interested in prevention, you’re in the right place. Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle arthritis pain. Here, we offer some basic DIY pain relief strategies and highlight our advanced in-office treatments.
Arthritis basics
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the three most common — and the three we see most often affect the feet — are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition that develops when the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down and allows bones to rub against each other. The result is pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that attacks the healthy cells in your joints. When it develops in your feet and ankles, RA targets the synovium, a slippery lining in your joints, and causes your joints to swell. In the worst cases, your foot and ankle ligaments weaken and increase your fracture risk.
Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in your body and causes crystallization in your joints, namely your big toe.
The good news is that whichever type of arthritis you have, we can help you manage it.
Your role in managing foot arthritis pain
There’s a lot you can do to reduce or, in some cases, even eliminate your foot arthritis pain. Here are our top recommendations.
Exercise
Don’t worry. We’re not asking you to join a gym or sign up for a 5K run. The type of exercise we recommend directly targets the muscles in your feet and ankles, improving flexibility and range of motion and ultimately leading to less pain.
Toe curls and using your toes to pick up small objects are easy ways to “work out” your feet — and you can often do them from the comfort of your couch.
Stretch
Arthritic feet are typically swollen and stiff. Gentle stretches can alleviate some of that stiffness and reduce your pain.
Start by facing a wall and placing your palms flat against it. Step one foot back and carefully lean forward, keeping your heel on the ground. You should feel the stretch in your Achilles tendon and calf.
If standing is too much, sit down with your foot straight out in front of you. Place an exercise band or a towel around the ball of your foot, and gently pull the ends of the band toward you to feel the stretch down your leg and into your foot.
Wear the right shoes
Your shoes can make or break your arthritis pain management plan. If your shoes don’t check these boxes, it’s time to invest in a new pair:
- Shaped like your foot
- Adequate arch support
- Rubber sole
- Flexible
- Wide toe box
If you know you need new shoes but don’t know where to start, talk to Dr. Geoghan or the staff at your local shoe store.
Make adjustments
Arthritis often demands a response from those it affects. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can often significantly improve pain.
We encourage all of our patients with arthritis to:
- Avoid high-impact activities that trigger flare-ups
- Opt for low-impact activities like yoga and tai chi
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Eat a balanced, non-inflammatory diet
The healthier you are overall, the better chance your body has in overcoming the painful inflammation brought on by arthritis. If you’re unsure how to begin living a joint-friendly lifestyle, Dr. Geoghan can help you determine the best place to start.
Our role in helping you manage arthritis pain
We’re proud to partner with you as you take steps to manage your arthritis pain. We thoroughly evaluate your foot and joint health, review your medical history, and discuss your goals before recommending a treatment plan. Depending on your needs, you could benefit from one or more of the following:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Injection therapy
- Braces and other support devices
- Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Topical pain relief
- Hot and cold therapy
- Massage therapy
It’s time to take the necessary steps toward lasting foot arthritis relief. Our expert is standing by — contact Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, in Lutherville, Maryland, today to schedule your consultation.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Banish Toenail Fungus With Pain-Free Laser Treatment
Can’t go anywhere without covering up your yellow, crusty, fungus-infected toenails? If you invest in our pain-free laser treatments, those days will soon be behind you. Keep reading to learn more.
5 Foot Ailments That Noninvasive MLS Laser Therapy Can Remedy
Foot pain is often a matter of when, not if, so we want you to know about your treatment options, especially those that offer the safest, fastest path to recovery. Here’s what you should know about MLS laser therapy and the conditions it treats.
When Does a Wart Warrant Professional Treatment?
A persistent plantar wart on the bottom of your foot can be uncomfortably annoying. If nothing seems to clear your wart, we’ve got the answer: Swift® microwave therapy. It’s non-invasive, quick, and painless. Here’s how it works.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Heel Pain: What to Expect
Step, ouch, step, ouch — walking shouldn’t hurt. If you feel a shock of pain with each stride, shock it back with shockwave therapy. Here’s a complete overview of this innovative, noninvasive, and quick treatment.
Why Does It Feel Like I Have a Pebble in My Shoe All the Time?
Frustrated by a foot problem that makes it feel as though there’s a pebble in your shoe? In this month’s post, we explain neuromas — benign growths of nerve tissue — and walk you through your treatment options.