Arthritis

There are 26 bones and 33 joints in the human foot. That's more than any other part of the body. Arthritis affects the foot often and when it does, what starts as discomfort can turn into severe chronic pain, however the right footwear can help.

Main Cause

Your arthritis is caused by a combination of risk factors that are unique to you. Some of them–age, genetics, previous injuries, and overuse of certain joints–are things you can’t really do anything about.

But you can change other factors–like weak joint muscles, lack of exercise, and continued joint wear and tear due to excess weight. Most forms of arthritis are thought to be caused by a fault in the immune system that causes the body to attack its own tissues in the joints. This may be inherited genetically. Other forms of arthritis can be caused by problems with the immune system or by a metabolic condition, such as gout.

Treatment and Prevention

Exercise. Regular exercise, including stretching and strengthening, may help reduce pain and other symptoms.
Heat treatment. Treating the affected joint with heat may help reduce pain.
Physical and occupational therapy. These types of therapy may help to reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility, and reduce joint strain. Splints and other assistive devices may also be used.
Weight maintenance. Keeping a healthy weight or losing weight if needed may help to prevent or reduce symptoms.
Medicines. These may include pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines. Either may be taken by mouth as a pill, or rubbed on the skin as a cream.
Injections of thick liquids into the joints. These liquids mimic normal joint fluid.
Joint surgery. Surgery may be needed to repair or replace a severely damaged joint.

A good rocker soled shoes which restore proper range of motion during gait all the while protecting the joints so it doesn't bend. The right footwear can help individuals with arthritis maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.