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ARTHRITIS
There are several different types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile Chronic Arthritis and Gout. All of those listed can affect the feet. The three that most commonly affect the feet are detailed below.
Osteoarthritis
Unfortunately osteoarthritis at the base of the big toe is particularly common. This is a degenerative disease that can cause the joint to become stiff and difficult to move, sometimes this results in the joint becoming totally immovable making walking painful. A bunion can also develop (see ‘Bunions’ in Catalogue). The small toes can also be affected causing them to be clawed (see “toe problems” in catalogue). The fatty tissue that protects the sole of the feet under the toes becomes altered and gives the feeling of “walking on pebbles” (see “insoles” in catalogue to provide relief). The very structure of the feet are altered and this makes it sometimes difficult to find shoes that fit, this causes the inevitable formation of those painful corns that occur on the top of toes or on the sole of the foot.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This condition causes inflammation in many joints of the body, the feet and hands being particularly affected. The joints of the toes are again very painful and the foot can sometimes lose the arch. The same loss of fatty tissue is again experienced on the sole of the foot. Unfortunately all joints can be altered and the heel can sometimes give trouble changing its relationship to the rest of the foot (see “insoles” in catalogue).
Gout
Gout is usually an acute condition making the big toe joint painful, red and swollen in appearance. Your doctor will arrange for a blood test to confirm the condition. Today, treatment is very effective in counteracting this particular problem.
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