Osteoarthritis: How it Affects Your Feet

Written by Bianca Charles on September 25, 2019

Last updated October 25, 2019

Arthritis is a broad term that describes a disease characterized by inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain) in the joints of the body. As the disease progresses, chronic inflammation can lead to permanent damage to these joints, resulting in restricted mobility and loss of function. It is safe to say that arthritis can significantly diminish your quality of life.

There are many types of arthritis; however today, we will discuss the most common type: osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis in which the cartilage between the joints in your body breaks down. This is usually caused by “wear and tear” or overuse of the joints accumulated over a long period of time. The most common areas affected are those exposed to the most stress or weight like the knees, hip, hands and spine.

Damaged cartilage within the joints makes movement painful and stiff. If you have osteoarthritis, you may experience a deep, aching pain in the affected joints, as well as morning stiffness and stiffness after resting. Moving your joints in its full range of motion and doing activity that engages the affected joints may be difficult and painful.

Although aging is inevitable, you can reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis by maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood sugar, regularly participating in low-impact exercise, avoiding injury, and getting rest when needed.

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Feet?

In the foot, the most common joint to be affected is the 1^st metatarsal phalangeal joint, which is the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of your foot.

If you’re experiencing arthritic pain, swelling, and restricted motion in the 1^st toe, consider booking an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist who can help by limiting painful movement and preventing further deformity. Your chiropodist may create a shaft pad for your shoe or tape the joint to limit range of motion.

A full biomechanical assessment and gait analysis will also determine an underlying biomechanical fault that may be exacerbating the progression of the disease. The best custom foot orthotic will control, stabilize, and support the foot, reducing stress and encouraging healthier joint alignments.

Book an appointment with a Licensed Chiropodist at Feet First Clinic today!

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! After a successful 12 years of treating our amazing patients, we’re ready to continue offering only the best foot care services and products. 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!

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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August 29, 2024

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Plantar fasciitis, a condition that impacts the foot and the heel, is very common but often misunderstood. If you've felt sharp stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning, you might know this condition firsthand. But what does plantar fasciitis mean, and how can you treat it? Let's explore the specifics to help you better understand plantar fasciitis causes and treatments. What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia gets inflamed. This thick band of tissue stretches from your heel to your toes along the bottom of your foot. It helps support your foot's arch and handles the stress we put on our feet. When this band gets irritated or swollen, it can lead to pain and discomfort. You'll often feel this pain in your heel area. Causes of plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by overuse and activities that put too much stress on the feet, which ultimately strains the plantar fascia. Such activities include includes running long distances, standing for hours, or playing high-impact sports. Risk factors that can make you especially vulnerable to developing plantar fasciitis include: Foot structure: Conditions such as flat feet or high arches can lead to unhealthy biomechanics (i.e.: overpronation), which can then can put extra stress on the plantar fascia when you walk. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that don't support or cushion your feet well can make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. High heels, old shoes, or flimsy footwear without adequate arch support can all contribute. Getting older: Those aged 40-60 are more prone to plantar fasciitis, but it can happen to anyone at any age. It's one of many age-related changes to the feet we experience as we age. Your job: Working a job where you have to stand or walk on hard floors for a long time can increase your chances of getting this condition. That's right! Even your career can influence your foot health. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. In addition, you may experience the following: Quick-hitting pain: Pain is often most severe when you take your first steps in the morning, or after sitting for an extended period. This pain tends to decrease with continued activity but can return after rest. Sharp pain: Plantar fasciitis-related pain is typically sharp and may be felt near the heel's underside. Pain post-exercise: While activity may initially relieve the pain, it can worsen after exercise or at the end of the day. Tenderness: Pressing on the area where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone may cause pain. Treating plantar fasciitis You may experience pain with plantar fasciitis first thing in the morning. The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis can be managed with conservative treatments. Here are some effective strategies for treating plantar fasciitis: Rest and ice: Resting and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Aim to ice your heel for 15-20 minutes several times daily. You may also benefit from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching of the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can help alleviate tension and reduce pain. Exercises such as the calf stretch, towel stretch, and rolling the foot over a cold bottle or a tennis ball can be beneficial. Footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and consider using custom orthotic inserts to provide additional support. Read our dedicated blog post on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Night splints: Wearing night splints can help keep the plantar fascia stretched overnight, which may reduce morning pain. Avoid high-impact sports and activities: Temporarily reducing or modifying activities that exacerbate your symptoms can help prevent further irritation of the plantar fascia.

August 26, 2024

Children’s Foot Development: Developmental Milestones and Concerns

As children’s foot development takes its first steps, it’s common to encounter a few bumps along the way. From in-toeing to Sever’s disease, these growing pains are part of the journey as little ones explore the world with developing feet. Let’s take a look at what foot conditions might correspond with your child’s age. Ages 1-3: In-Toeing and Toe-Walking Troublesome toes occurring during the “terrible twos” can be concerning. But these quirky walking patterns are totally normal developmental milestones for children's foot development. No cause for alarm or invasive treatment! In-toeing, also known as pigeon-toeing, is when a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead while walking. Toe walking is when a child walks on the balls of their feet with their heels off the ground. Up to Ages 3-4: Flat Feet Children around this age will have pen planus, also known as fallen arches or flat feet. This is when the entire sole of their foot contacts the ground while standing and walking. Traditional children's foot development is at play here, as arches in children's feet develop around age 6. No treatment is generally needed for flat feet before this point, unless your child’s flat feet persist as they age, in which case you may want to consider custom orthotics, stability shoes and other treatments for flat feet. 5+ Years Old: Blisters As kids get older, gain a sense of independence and participate in more physical extracurricular activities and outdoor play, they may start to develop skin conditions on their feet. Enter: blisters. These are a pretty common condition that’s usually harmless, but can painful and bothersome for kids when they walk. Blisters form as a result of excessive friction between shoes and the foot’s skin. Read here to learn the best ways of preventing foot problems like blisters and how to choose the right shoes for children! Puberty and Growth Spurts: Sever’s Disease Did you know that the concept "growing pains" in children is not what most people think it is? While kids may experience pain as they grow, the pain itself is not caused by growing. But what can cause pain for kids going through puberty is something called Sever’s Disease, which is like a kid’s-only version of injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achille’s tendonitis and heel spurs. Sever's disease kicks in when a growing heel gets overworked, causing inflammation. It leads to sharp heel pain, especially when kids are on the move, like during sports and playtime! Kids between 9 and 14 are the most vulnerable. Solid foot care for kids can help offset Sever’s disease. Try the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should also buy your child supportive footwear to ease the strain on the heel. Avoiding high-impact activities can also help speed up recovery.

August 22, 2024

5 Common Foot Problems and How to Prevent Them

When it comes to foot problem prevention, being proactive is key to maintaining healthy feet and avoiding a future of discomfort. Understanding common foot issues and taking steps to prevent them can help reduce the risk of complications down the road. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most common foot conditions and provide essential foot care tips to help you keep your feet in top shape. Plantar Fasciitis One in ten people will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, making it one of the most common foot issues. Plantar fasciitis at the start, can cause minor discomfort in the arch of the foot or even in the heel. It usually starts when you just get out of bed. It calms down through the day and then the soreness starts at the end of the day. That discomfort, if not properly treated and investigated, can increase and then start to cause stronger and sharper pain. Sometimes this pain can last through the day to a point where you might find it difficult to walk. The main cause is inflammation- constant pulling and tugging on the thick, inelastic fascia itself (midfoot pain). Or, where it inserts from (the heel pain). Pressure can be from the arch pressing down on the fascia: It can also be a tight muscle, like the calf muscle pulling up behind the heel and forcing the fascia to pull away from the heel It can also be a combination of a tight muscle and pulling of the fascia. In rare occasions plantar fasciitis is caused by a nerve entrapment. Prevention Preventing plantar fasciitis is mainly down to figuring out what was the cause in the first place. It might be a biomechanical issue with the feet. It could be due to the shoes that you might be wearing- at home, at work or just around town. In some cases it is due to a muscle imbalance. So figuring out the cause is the first step in treating and then preventing further plantar fascia pain in the future. One of the cornerstone treatments in preventing plantar fasciitis involves prioritizing arch support! It is a good idea to wear supportive shoes with good arch support and shock absorption, especially if you spend long periods standing or walking. Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can also provide extra arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure more evenly across your feet. If you have a muscle imbalance then regular, targeted stretching of your calves and feet is also a healthy foot practice that can prevent foot ailments like plantar fasciitis. Stretching the calves is especially helpful as it reduces strain on the plantar fascia. Check out the best exercises for plantar fasciitis. You can do your exercise routine before bed and when you wake up to prevent this painful condition from affecting your mornings. Some patients have found rolling a tennis ball/ golf ball under their foot can be helpful to break up the inflammation to the area. Or rolling a wrapped frozen water bottle (no longer than 4 mins, then remove, wait to warm then walk) reduces inflammation build up Athlete’s Foot Athlete's foot can affect up to 15% of the global population! It's a fungal infection that usually occurs on the skin between the toes. However it can also start and spread to the arches and then to the boarder of the foot. It can be itchy, red scaly looking and sometimes crack. Inbetween the toes the skin can look more damp than normal. Prevention Athletes foot is prevented if you reduce the causes. It enjoys dark, moist environments with an ample food supply. So your feet can be a perfect place for this to thrive. It can be contagious but also you can be more prone to catching it. So, -if your feet are kept in a constant moist environment. - you go to public pools and walk around barefooted. - if you put your socks on right after having a bath or shower... All these issues increase the risk of catching Athletes foot and allowing it to spread. Prevention is linked to good foot hygiene. Therefore, make sure you wear slippers or flip-flops in public areas such as locker rooms or pools, and avoid walking barefoot in these places. You should also make sure your feet stay clean and dry, as fungus thrives in moist environments. Opt for moisture-wicking socks, foot deodorants and breathable shoes. And never put on your shoes while your feet are damp! If you are daily in the same shoes then try to use 2 pairs of shoes. Use one one day and one pair another day to allow the shoes to dry out. Change the insoles regularly. Morton’s Neuroma Some experts believe that one in three people will experience a Morton’s neuroma at some point. It is characterized by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves inbetween the balls of toes (typically between the 3rd and 4th balls of the toes), and causes pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot. You can get neuromas in other parts of the foot, but between the 3rd and 4th ball of the toes is called a Mortons neuroma Prevention Prevention is the best treatment for a Mortons Neuroma. Preventing the rubbing and thickening of the nerves is a priority. Unfortunately as the nerve thickens there is a chance that it will not go back to normal. Preventing a neuroma is simply by wearing wider footwear in the toebox. You can tell if it is your shoes just by removing the shoes and your soreness should subside. Remember that work shoes, normal outdoor shoes and even slippers can all have an affect on compressing the toes together. Having a heeled shoe puts more pressure upon the balls of your foot- so reducing arch height is also helpful (and if you must wear high heels, make sure they're the healthy kind!). Custom orthotics can provide a way to splay the balls of the foot so even if the neuroma has thickened, it can reduce the pressure the balls of the foot are placing upon the nerves. Ingrown Toenails Our toenails can be a bit troublesome sometimes —they crack, curl, get too thick, and sometimes even surprise us with strange colours! But one of the most common toenail conditions is ingrown toenails. Two out of every ten people visiting a healthcare provider for a foot issue end up complaining about this painful nuisance. Ingrown toenails can occur when a spike of nail is pressing into the skin. It can also happen if you have pincer like nails (involuted) and those nails press into the skin. If you have wider nails, the skin on the side of your toe can be more prone to go into the nail. If the toes are kept in a damp environment then the skin and nails will be soft and more easily press into one another Prevention Prevention comes with finding the cause and preferable no home treatment (in many cases it can make it worse). Apart from scratching your socks, placing a "V" into the nail doesn't do anything. Poor nail care is usually the main culprit especially cutting down the sides of the nail. It is better to allow the nail to grow past the skin line and then cut to the contour of the nail. Cutting straight across can leave angles and cutting down the sides can leave spikes of nail. If your nails are curled around or thickened then professional footcare can help thin down the nail and offer treatments for the curved nail. Reducing dampness can reduce ingrown toenails. Wider footwear (and non tight socks) can reduce the risk of compressing the skin into the nail. In some cases it can be hard to cut your nails effectively, if this is the case then having a medical pedicure from a professional is usually a good preventative option. Calluses Almost everyone will get at least a small foot callus in their lifetime and is a common foot issue. They are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. Initially they can be pain free but as time continues then the callus can build up and adds pressure that that area. This adds more callus and now a cycle starts. Eventually too much pressure and the skin starts to break down and dry blood can appear within the skin. Prevention Callus is best treated by prevention- finding out why the hard skin is there in the first place. So a footcare professional will look at your feet and assess where the hard skin is and then find the cause- where is that pressure coming from. They will then reduce down the hard skin, to break that pressure cycle, then offer advice on how to prevent the hard skin coming back- or reducing its build up. In many cases this is due to poor fitting footwear or a mechanical issue with the foot. Preventing callus build up can be done once a week with a plastic footfile when the foot is dry. Pumice stones are used when the foot is wet. But it is usually a good idea to check the cause by a footcare professional as sometimes too much file or pumice use can make the area sore, affect the good skin surrounding the callus or even make the area worse as you might go too deep. Dry skin is prevented where you moisturize your feet regularly (but not inbetween your toes). It will also help the callus not crack but it won't prevent the callus build up- as that is caused through pressure.

August 19, 2024

Foot Care for Seniors: Common Issues and Maintenance Strategies

Foot care for seniors is a vital aspect of maintaining overall health and mobility. As we age, our feet undergo changes that can lead to various problems, making it essential to prioritize foot health. This article will explore common foot problems in older adults and offer practical foot care tips for the elderly to help maintain mobility and prevent discomfort as much as possible. Understanding Aging Adults' Foot Health Aging adults' foot health often deteriorates due to factors such as reduced blood circulation, thinning skin, and the natural wear and tear on joints and muscles. These changes can lead to an increased risk of developing foot issues, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Common Foot Problems in Older Adults Several common foot problems in older adults can arise as a result of aging: Plantar Fasciitis Decades wearing the wrong shoes for your feet = feeling the damage and heel pain when you get older. Seniors are also vulnerable to plantar fasciitis if they have balance and mobility challenges, as these affect the natural gait pattern. In other words, as older adults struggle with movement, they might walk differently, which can put extra stress on their feet and lead to heel pain. Lastly, poor blood circulation means less ability to recover from “micro injuries,” which is essentially what plantar fasciitis is. Bunions Bothersome bunions affect seniors more than younger adults. The toes spread out more due to natural aging-related foot changes, placing pressure on the wrong areas. Bunions can also tend to form and worsen gradually over time, meaning seniors will feel their full effects. Dry Skin Skin aging doesn't just affect our face; it affects our feet too! As we age, the processes that help our feet stay moisturized, namely the production of natural oils and cell renewal, slow down. This leads to dry, flaky skin on the feet. Dry skin is on the feet is not just a cosmetic concern; it makes the feet more prone to developing many problems like itching, cracked heels, corns and calluses. Corns and Calluses Not only does our skin get dryer as we age, it also gets thinner. This makes the feet more prone to developing corns and calluses. Corns and calluses are caused by friction, and are two of the most common skin problems affecting seniors. When the skin thins, the skin forms calluses and corns more quickly in order to protect itself. This issue is compounded for older adults who have been wearing ill-fitting shoes for years Arthritis Osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease) is a form of arthritis typically associated with aging. It is caused by cumulative wear-and-tear on the joints. Over time, the protective lining around the joints wears down, resulting in excessive rubbing and grinding between joints. Foot Care Tips for the Elderly Foot care for seniors entails a proactive approach. Here are our top tips for maintaining foot health as you age: Regular Foot Inspections and Hygiene Our number-one foot care tip for older adults is to get regular medical pedicures with a chiropodist. This is especially helpful for seniors who have difficulty bending or trimming their own toenails. A licensed Toronto chiropodist can properly trim and file your toenails, remove corns and calluses, and address any other common foot problems in older adults. A foot specialist will also inspect and keep an your feet for any signs of redness, swelling, cuts, or sores that could indicate a worsening skin issue. Our Toronto chiropodists will also provide expert foot care advice for your at-home maintenance. At-Home Foot Care: Moisturizing, Hygiene and Inspections Foot care for seniors should involve moisturizing daily with a foot cream in order to keep the skin on the feet strong and firm. This will also help reduce callus and corn buildup. At-home foot care for seniors also involves practicing good hygiene, including washing feet daily and keeping your toenails trimmed. This is essential to prevent infections and other complications. Proper Footwear and Medical Devices Footwear plays a significant role in senior foot care. Shoes should provide adequate support, have a wide toe box to prevent crowding, and offer cushioning for shock absorption. Orthotic inserts can also be beneficial for those with specific foot conditions or discomfort, especially plantar fasciitis. There are also products like silicone toe separators, bunion aligners, and bunion splints worth trying. Maintaining Foot Mobility and Stability Regular exercise and fall prevention strategies can keep the muscles and joints in the feet strong and flexible. Simple exercises like toe stretches, ankle circles, and calf raises can improve circulation and maintain range of motion. A targeted approach is ideal, and you can memorize foot exercises and stretches designed for your condition or age, such as routines for bunions, arthritis part one and two, plantar fasciitis, and women over 65. Many of these exercises help with more than one condition!

August 12, 2024

Managing Bunions: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips for Relief

Dealing with bunions can be a pain—literally. For those managing bunions, finding effective solutions can greatly improve quality of life. Let's dive into various bunion treatment options and explore lifestyle tips that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues. Bunion Treatment Options: Finding What Works for You When it comes to managing bunions, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember, they are bony protrusions and can vary in pain level and size. While they can occur in both men and women, they are most common in women. Non-surgical bunion treatment is often the first line of defense. Non-Surgical Bunion Treatment Ill-fitting and unsupportive footwear - particularly narrow shoes and high heels - is one of the most common causes of bunions. A chiropodist can suggest footwear for bunions that provide ample toe space and cushioning. They'll help you discover fashionable footwear for sensitive feet from your local Toronto foot clinic. Additionally, they can do a biomechanical assessment to determine if custom orthotics can help manage the bunion's progression and reduce your pain. A chiropodist can also recommend bunion cushioning techniques and products, such as: Silicone toe separators Bunion aligners Rigid, yet walkable, bunion splints These non-invasive measures can help reduce pressure on the affected area and offer bunion pain relief. Lifestyle Tips For Bunion Relief and Preventing Bunion Progression As with any foot condition, lifestyle changes go a long way! Implement simple bunion exercises into your routine to strengthen the muscles around the joint. To give it your best shot, refer to these 5 simple exercises for bunions! It is also strongly recommended that you avoid high heels. If you have a special event, visit your local foot clinic to talk about comfortable heel and wedges you may be able to wear, for a limited amount of time. In addition, avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, such as long periods of standing on hard surfaces. You can try beginner-level, low-impact yoga to keep moving, but make sure it isn't too intense for your feet. Surgical Solutions In severe situations, bunion surgery from a podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon can offer significant relief. Surgery realigns the toe joint, providing a long-term solution and eliminating the need to accommodate the bunion at all times. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if surgery is the right step for you. Most of the time, surgery is only an option for severe bunions as it can be a lengthy and inconvenient process for you. In addition, there's no guarantee the bunion will not return: some studies indicate a reoccurence rate of up to 25% after bunion surgery. It's important to note that bunion surgery alone isn't going to permanently get rid of your bunions: you still need to do non-surgical bunion treatment options after surgery to prevent reoccurence, namely: Wear proper fitting footwear and avoid high heels Strengthen and condition the muscles in your feet and ankles Address any underlying biomechanical issues to reduce pressure and strain on the affected joint.

August 8, 2024

Benefits of Flexible Toes

When we think about flexibility, our toes might not be the first body part that comes to mind. One may think that because they're so small, you can get away with neglecting them. However, our toes are actually part of our entire body's foundation. Flexible toes protect us from many short—and long-term foot conditions and can enhance our quality of life. Let's explore the benefits of having flexible toes, including improved balance, fewer foot problems, and increased toe functionality. Five benefits of flexible toes 1. Improved balance and stability Flexible toes contribute to better balance and stability. When your toes can move and spread naturally, they can adjust to uneven surfaces and provide a broader support base, enhancing overall stability while walking, running, or standing. 2. Fewer foot problems Maintaining flexibility in your toes can help prevent common foot problems associated with stiffness in your toes. For example, a limited range of motion in your feet can indicate bunions, hammertoes, osteoarthritis, hallux rigidus, and plantar fasciitis early. Hallux rigidus and hallux limitus translate to "rigid" and "limited," a direct sign of stiff toes. In addition, flexible toes are less likely to become cramped or develop abnormal positions that can lead to discomfort and pain. Greater flexibility also means your muscle groups will work in balance, whereas stiff toes can overstress particular parts of your feet when they compensate for the stiffness. You may also benefit from a reduced risk of one-time acute injuries like turf toe. With greater flexibility and range of motion, your toes can safely extend to positions they would not be able to if they weren't flexible. 3. Better proprioception Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. Flexible toes contribute to better proprioception in the feet, allowing for improved feedback to the brain about the terrain you're walking on, which aids in maintaining balance and preventing injuries. 4. Greater toe functionality Flexible toes can better perform their natural functions, such as gripping the ground while walking or running. A greater range of motion helps propel you forward and reduces strain on other parts of the foot. Regular toe exercises can also increase blood flow to your toes, reducing swelling and inflammation. 5. Reduced risk of falls Maintaining flexibility in your toes can reduce the risk of falls, especially among older adults. Flexible toes help adapt to sudden shifts in weight distribution and uneven surfaces, decreasing the likelihood of tripping or losing balance.

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Osteoarthritis: How it Affects Your Feet

Osteoarthritis

How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Feet?

Here’s to Many More Years of Foot Care!

About Author: Bianca Charles

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Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Children’s Foot Development: Developmental Milestones and Concerns

5 Common Foot Problems and How to Prevent Them

Foot Care for Seniors: Common Issues and Maintenance Strategies

Managing Bunions: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Tips for Relief

Benefits of Flexible Toes

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