Ease Arthritis Foot Pain with These 8 Tips
Many people over the age of 60 find themselves saying, “Oh, my aching feet!” quite often. And according to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately half of people in their 60s and 70s suffer from arthritis foot pain. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing their top tips for easing arthritis foot pain.
Arthritis is inflammation around or in the joints that results in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Although it is a chronic condition, the following 8 strategies will provide some relief.
1. Visit your podiatrist. If you think you might have arthritis in your feet, have your feet checked by a podiatrist at least once a year. We recommend annual visits to ensure that there aren’t any changes in your feet and to determine if any devices you may have been using, such as orthotics or braces, are working properly.
2. Choose supportive shoes. Shoes that provide adequate support are fundamental for arthritis in the feet. The footwear should be wide enough so that they don’t put pressure on any calluses or bunions. Arch support is vital to stabilize joints that are moving more than they should.
3. Stretch your Achilles tendon to boost flexibility. Exercising your feet can help boost your mobility and flexibility, which is important when you have arthritis in your feet. Be sure to stretch your Achilles tendon as well as the tendons in your toes and the balls of your feet.
4. Indulge in a soothing foot massage. The soothing effects of massage aren't just great for your upper body. A foot massage can provide relief from foot pain. Rub your toes and the balls of your feet, beginning at the top and working your way down.
5. Apply topical medications. Look for topicals that contain capsaicin, which is found in chile peppers that are thought to decrease the amount of substance P, which transmits pain in the body. It is sold over the counter under different brand names, such as Icy Hot.
6. Provide balance and stability with orthotic devices. Whether it’s braces, shoe inserts, canes — your particular problem will determine what you need. Some choose shoe inserts because they can distribute weight more evenly over the bottoms of your feet and correct misalignments. They are available over the counter or custom-made.
7. Consider surgery. Surgery should always be your last resort when your pain begins to limit your lifestyle. The right procedure for your specific case depends on the kind of arthritis you have, where it is located, and its impact on your joints.
8. Take an anti-inflammatory drug. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen can help decrease the joint pain and swelling that result from arthritis.
If you feel that arthritis may be causing your foot pain, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle today at
(806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.