If you’ve got arthritis, it can really affect your quality of life. Simple things, even just walking around and standing, can be such a painful activity. Because it can affect any joints, the feet and ankles, which have 33 joints, are particularly susceptible to pain. The disease is primarily one of inflammation and stiffness, so it’s not something easily treated with surgery or other procedures. It’s a disease managed by lifestyle changes, medications, and pain management.

We always want our patients to be educated in their self-management of the disease. The following are some ways you can care for your arthritic feet and ankles:

Find what works and doesn’t work for you.

• No two arthritis patients have the same symptoms or issues.
• Some activities and foods are particularly aggressive triggers for inflammation and pain. Keep track of the foods you eat (sugary foods can trigger flare ups, while omega-3s are helpful), the activities that give you pain, and how much sleep you’re getting.
• Fatigue can worsen your body condition, so make sure to get enough sleep.
• Too much stress can also aggravate the problem.

Stay active, but balance it with rest.

• Exercising regularly can help you feel better. Increasing muscles around your arthritic joints can help support them when they are weak. Staying in shape helps prevent overweight problems, which negatively affects arthritis.
• Stay away from high-impact activities, however, as they can worsen arthritis pain. Swimming and walking are great exercises for arthritis patients.
• Make sure to include times for rest and recovery. If your lifestyle is usually a go, go, go type of life, you may have to schedule times of rest.

Make changes.

• Purchase shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Consult with our podiatrist if need be, to get orthotics that can alleviate pressure and pain.
• At home, make changes to suit your needs. If you spend a lot of time standing, use foam mats to give you cushioning. Indoor slippers with extra cushioning can also help to relieve joint pressure.

Early treatment can help to slow down the progress of the disease. If you suspect arthritis, especially if it runs in the family, check for symptoms often. If you are suffering from foot pain due to arthritis, come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.