There are over 30 joints in each of the feet; if arthritis develops in one or more of these joints walking and basic mobility can be difficult. Common symptoms of arthritis in the feet include pain, limited mobility and swelling. There are three types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle. 1. Osteoarthritis. Each bone in the foot is covered with cartilage that connects to the cartilage of another bone in the foot. The meeting of these two bones makes up a “joint”. Normally the cartilage allows the bones to rub up against each other smoothly so that there is little or no friction between the bones. This is a healthy joint – one that allows for fluid and easy movement between the bones. Over time, however, the cartilage can become frayed. When the bones rub up against each other there is friction. This roughness leads to irritation, inflammation and pain in the joint – or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis usually develops later in life. Once a joint is afflicted, the arthritis tends to worsen over time. Osteoarthritis is particularly common among the elderly, but people who are obese are also at higher risk for the disease due to the added pressure their body mass exerts on their joints. 2. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system turns on the body and begins destroying cartilage in the joints. This is a system-wide attack, and it usually does not limit itself to isolated joints in the feet. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not clearly understood. The disease does not seem to be genetic in the strictest sense, although researchers do believe that certain people are predisposed to developing the condition. 3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis. Post-Traumatic Arthritis (as its name implies) is directly linked to trauma. It often forms as the result of dislocations, fractures or ligament injuries in the feet that damage the joint. Although these foot injuries are responsible for post-traumatic arthritis, sometimes the arthritis does not develop until years later. That said, a joint that has experienced some kind of trauma is 7 times more likely to develop arthritis than a healthy joint.
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Treatments for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Arthritis range from anti-inflammatory medications to orthopedic insoles to physical therapy to steroid injections in the joint. In some cases, weight loss can go a long way when it comes to alleviating painful symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the treatment plan that makes most sense for you.
Jane Barron works for OddShoeFinder.com,a free online website that helps people find mismatched footwear.Get more information on deformed feet, corrective shoes or foot length difference.
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