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5 Types of Arthritis That Affect Our Feet

Written by Bianca Charles on June 12, 2021

Last updated June 15, 2021

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects our joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. One of the most common risk factors is age. That said, while arthritis mainly affects people over the age of 40, it can develop at any age. Here at Feet First Clinic, our chiropodists regularly treat patients who have arthritis in their feet. Likewise, foot-care experts note that 5 types of arthritis can target our feet. Today, we’ll go over those with you, as well as the signs and symptoms of each type. We’ll also give you a list of treatment options that have been known to help patients live a normal, healthy life. 

What Types of Arthritis can Affect our Feet?

5 types of arthritis can affect our feet and ankles: 

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Gout

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any of the 33 joints in the foot. Commonly referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, it is caused by the gradual erosion of cartilage on the ends of our bones. This cartilage cushions our joints, so when it gets worn down, bones rub against each other, which causes foot pain. Women over the age of 50 are the most at risk of developing osteoarthritis. That said, other risk factors include obesity and pre-existing foot conditions such as Bunions and clawed toes.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis specifically affecting those who suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that affects the skin. Patients typically notice painful patches of redness and bumps on the skin, sometimes covered by white, scaly skin. Not every person with psoriasis is guaranteed to experience psoriatic arthritis, but some patients are at risk. Mayo Clinic notes that most patients develop the skin disorder first and notice joint pain later, although the joint pain can sometimes be experienced first. Those experiencing psoriatic arthritis in their feet typically notice swollen and stiff joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis that can affect your feet. Age is not a common risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis; it can affect younger people too. It is an autoimmune condition that causes excessive inflammation buildup in your joints. The inflammation severely damages the joints and typically affects both feet. Most doctors or foot specialists can distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types by looking for damage in both feet. In many cases, rheumatoid arthritis can ultimately lead to deformities in your feet in the form of curled toes(claw toes) and bunions. Other symptoms include:

  • Joint stiffness and soreness
  • Other foot deformities, including flat feet, splay foot, and hammertoes
  • Difficulty with simple activities, such as walking, standing, etc.
  • Enlarged joints
  • Swelling and warmth
  • Intermittent pain that can flare up or subside at random

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis in the foot is a form of osteoarthritis that targets a joint that has sustained an injury. Arthritis commonly develops in older people, but post-traumatic arthritis can affect someone who was not at risk of developing arthritis before their injury. Likewise, the US National Library of Medicine notes that post-traumatic arthritis can occur in people from age 30-40. If they have sustained an injury in their foot, it can “strongly contribute to premature development of osteoarthritis.”

Sports injuries, falling and spraining your ankle, and other forms of physical trauma can weaken your joints, putting them at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Specifically, if a foot or ankle injury doesn’t heal properly, the joint weakness puts extra strain on your feet. This speeds up the wear-and-tear process in the feet, erodes the cartilage and leads to bone damage. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, fluid accumulation in the affected joint, and difficulty walking.

Gout

Some people are surprised to learn that Gout is a form of arthritis. Gout is an inflammatory foot condition and is quite serious and debilitating. The pain can be intermittent, and gout flare-ups often come on suddenly and severely. The pain is so severe that even bedsheet touching your foot can be excruciating.

Gout is caused by excessive uric acid production, which triggers an autoimmune response that results in a gout attack. Most gout patients are men over age 40. Additionally, living a sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism are risk factors. Gout normally targets the big toe, but if left unaddressed it can affect other joints in the foot too. Other symptoms including redness, swelling, and protrusions that look similar to bunions.

What Are Some Treatment Options for Arthritis in the Feet? 

  • Lifestyle Changes: You should speak to a chiropodist about exercises you can perform from home that can help ease your foot pain. These exercises can be performed quickly and fit easily into a daily routine. The goal is to strengthen your muscles and improve your mobility. You should also try sticking to a healthy diet: many unhealthy foods can cause inflammation buildup, which can trigger arthritis flare ups and gout attacks.
  • Maintenance with a foot specialist: A qualified chiropodist can provide services that can ease foot pain and help with mobility. These include Splinting or bracing your feet, prescribing Custom orthotics and fitting you for Orthopaedic shoes. Other forms of foot care, such as nail care and preventing infection, can also be performed by a chiropodist. If you suffer from arthritis, it is wise to regularly see a chiropodist, as it can be almost impossible for those with debilitating joint pain to maintain proper foot care on their own.
  • Medications: Medications such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) can be prescribed for gout, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from gout, you may also need a medication that slows uric acid production, or removes it from your system. If you suffer from psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may prescribe DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as Aspirin can also help manage pain associated with arthritis in the foot.
  • Skincare: Routine self-care from home can work wonders for conditions that also affect our skin, like psoriatic arthritis. One of our favourite brands is Gehwol. They make a wide array of foot care products containing various medicinal ingredients, including menthol and vaseline. Check out this blog on some of our favourite Gehwol products!

Do you Have Arthritis in Your Feet? Worry Not!

If you suffer from arthritis in your feet, we want to hear about it. We strongly believe that no one should live their life in discomfort. Our licensed chiropodists are trained to help you manage your foot pain. Our downtown Toronto foot clinic is open 6 days a week! Call us to ask about how you can achieve your goal of happy and healthy feet! 

Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or Book Your Assessment Today!

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! We’re Toronto’s one-stop-shop for all your foot-related needs. For 15 years, our staff and licensed chiropodists have been helping people with their feet. From foot care to foot pain to foot products – we do it all! Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

Bianca Charles Photo

About Author: Bianca Charles

With 15 years of dedicated experience in podiatry, Bianca Carter offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise at Feet First Clinic. Throughout her career, Bianca has worked closely with leading chiropodists, continually deepening her understanding of all aspects of foot care.
Learn more about Bianca Charles

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Arch Support Moving on, we have arch support, which is important for everyone - regardless of whether you have a foot condition - but moreso for people who struggle with plantar fasciitis and arch pain. Arch Pad – Additonal support on the arch for patients who need more arch support. Fill – Arch fills make the orthotic more rigid. This is used to help the orthotic to support more weight. It can also be used to help somewhat with controlling the midtarsal joints. Additional Accommodations Finally, we have modifications that don't really fit into the previous categories. These are all very common additions that are often put in orthotics: Morton’s Extension – Extra length under 1st metatarsal to keep it rigid. It helps during the push off phase of gait and can be rigid if patient has hallux rigidus or limitus. It immobilizes and offsets pressure on the first met joint. Reverse Morton’s – This increases the mobility of the first met joint. 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If they aren't, the chiropodist can modify the orthotics. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pO5oWb6S5MA?feature=share
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September 26, 2024
The Role of Orthotics in Supporting Foot Health and Correcting Alignment
Orthotics are supportive, custom devices designed to improve the alignment and function of the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They aim to address specific issues like flat feet, overpronation, or arch support. This can help alleviate discomfort and prevent injuries by redistributing pressure and correcting abnormal movement patterns. Adequately fitted orthotics can significantly enhance comfort and mobility, making daily activities more manageable and pain-free. Custom orthotics can make a big difference, but how exactly do orthotics correct foot alignment? And how do they work? Let's explain. What are orthotics? Orthotics are specialized, custom-designed insoles that you place inside your shoes. They come in many forms, and are molded and constructed specific to your unique foot needs. Their main job is to support and correct the alignment of your feet, which can help address various foot and lower limb issues. They essentially promote healthy biomechanics to ensure your body moves the way it's designed to. Orthotics are custom-made specifically for your feet by a chiropodist (foot specialist). The chiropodist will do a biomechanical and gait analysis, and then take a mold of your foot (typically with a 3D digital scanner). The chiropodist then custom-designs the orthotics according to your specific needs, and a lab then constructs the orthotics according to the chiropodist's instructions. It's important to note that while orthotics can be beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone and can have some drawbacks, such as initial discomfort and the need for regular maintenance. Custom orthotics are more expensive than over-the-counter options, but they are an investment in your future — they may allow you to avoid more severe issues and chronic pain long-term, and can address foot concerns that over-the-counter insoles cannot. Not to mention, they are longer-lasting. How orthotics correct foot alignment? Orthotics are meant to modify how your foot moves and distributes pressure. They can help with several conditions, including: Flat feet: Orthotics can support fallen arches to maintain and prop up the natural contours of your foot. High arches: When you have high arches, excessive pressure is placed over a very small area of your foot. Orthotics help by cushioning and distributing pressure more evenly. If pressure is unevenly distributed across your feet, you're at a higher risk of overworking neighbouring parts of your foot. Overpronation: If your feet roll inward too much when you walk or run (called "overpronation), orthotics can help correct this movement. They do this by creating a barrier to your foot's inward movement, which corrects the overpronation. (Interesting fact: people with flat feet are prone to overpronation, so the treatment for the two conditions is often the same). Heel pain: Orthotics can reduce the strain on the plantar fascia and help alleviate heel pain. By correcting foot alignment, orthotics can provide significant relief from pain and prevent future issues. The feet are our body's foundation, so when your feet are moving properly, it helps the rest of our body move properly. That allows muscles and joints to work the way they were designed to without being over-stressed. This then helps reduce pain - not only in our feet, but the rest of our body too! Types of orthotics There are many different types of orthotics designed for different footwear and activities. Click here to learn more! Benefits beyond pain relief Orthotics don't just help with pain—they can also play a proactive role in enhancing overall foot and body health. Proper alignment can lead to better posture, reduced knee and hip stress, and improved gait. Athletes often use orthotics to boost performance by optimizing foot mechanics, which then reduces the strain on the rest of their joints. How to choose the right orthotics If you're considering orthotics, here's what to keep in mind: Consult a professional: A chiropodist can help determine if you need custom orthotics through a biomechanical assessment. They can then prescribe, design and fit your orthotics based on your activities and specific foot concerns. A chiropodist may also recommend footwear and over-the-insole options to test out first before going the custom route. Consider your activities: Choose orthotics that match your lifestyle. For instance, if you're a runner, look for ones designed to absorb shock and provide stability. If you work in a setting with a formal dress code, you may want to opt for slimmer dress orthotics that will fit into your dress shoes. Look at the full picture: Orthotics alone likely won't solve all your foot concerns. They're just part of the equation. You'll also want to ensure your wearing proper footwear and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. If you have chronic pain or a conditions like arthritis, regular exercise and stretching is very important to build strength in your feet and ankles. Orthotics are essentially meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle - not substitute it. How to get the most out of your orthotics Once you have your orthotics, wear them regularly to see the best results. They take some time to get used to, so gradually increase the time you wear them daily. Also, remember that orthotics are just one part of foot health—maintaining a proper exercise routine and suitable footwear are equally important. To ensure the longevity of your orthotics, clean them regularly and follow any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer or your chiropodist.
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September 23, 2024
Preparing Your Feet for Fall: Essential Tips for Comfort and Support
The leaves are starting to change colour and the temperatures are taking a dip! What does that mean for your feet? A lot! Seasonal changes have a big impact on our foot health, which is why it's important to prepare your feet for fall — especially if you have a foot condition. To help you our, we compiled our Toronto foot specialists' top foot care tips for fall to keep your feet comfortable and healthy as you transition into cooler days. From selecting the right footwear to vigilant skin care, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you cozy and supported. Moisturizing, Skin Care and Protection We all get thirsty, and the same thing happens to your skin — especially when the summer’s humidity is replaced with colder air that prevents it from retaining moisture.  One of the best ways to prepare your feet for fall is by focusing on hydrating your skin. Moisturizing your feet regularly will help you fight painful issues, like cracked heels. Incorporate a rich foot cream, like Gehwol’s Salve for Cracked Skin, if you notice dry cracks in your heels. For a more preventative approach, moisturize every day to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft, and then exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This lets the moisturizer penetrate deeply. Try the universally beneficial Soft Feet Cream from Gehwol; it binds moisture to the deepest layers of the skin and strengthens its natural defence. Learn more with our comprehensive moisturizing guide. Fall Shoe Tips and Supportive Fall Footwear Cold air can exacerbate foot pain by messing with your blood circulation. Healthy shoes can help offset this and make a world of difference.  Look for cozy fall boots, ideal for everyday wear. These include ankle boots with sturdy soles, a solid grip to prevent falls, good arch support, and cushioning. Additionally, consider shoes made from waterproof materials, like Gore-Tex fabric, to protect against the elements. Not only will this help with fall foot comfort, but it will also keep your feet dry and warm as the weather cools down. Damp feet can cause issues like infections and foot odour.  For those extra cold days, you should wear boots with soft materials, like fleece or shearling, for insulation against the cold. You never know when the snow falls and below-zero temperatures will begin, so having a pair of boots like this ready to wear is always wise. Lastly, your fall shoes might work even better if you wear them with custom orthotics or high-quality Superfeet insoles. Ask your chiropodist if they can help you.  Our Toronto foot clinic is known for our excellent shoe shopping tips, particularly for the fall and winter. We can also provide a complimentary shoe fitting service for when you don’t know where to start with your fall shoe hunting.  Foot Conditions Requiring Extra Care in Fall If you have arthritis or diabetes, fall foot care is even more important. That's why one of our top fall foot care tips is to pay close attention to your foot health and regularly visit your chiropodist so they can keep an eye on your feet - especially if you have vulnerable feet.  Arthritis sufferers may find that the cold exacerbates joint stiffness and pain. The lower temperatures can cause muscles to tighten, putting additional strain on already sensitive joints. For people with diabetes, the reduced blood circulation can be extra dangerous and worsen the body’s already compromised healing abilities. Ulcers, infections and even frostbite can be big problems during the chilly months. 
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Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.