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Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

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Understand the significance of foot care for managing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Get expert advice on treatment options and how to prevent complications.

The Importance of Foot Care for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you’re already scheduling regular appointments with a chiropodist. And if you aren’t, you may be overdue. This serious condition requires assistance and guidance from a healthcare professional. 

That said, it’s truly amazing what practicing foot care on your own time can help you achieve. The two main goes of foot care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are pain management and avoiding complications.

Today we will discuss how lifestyle factors such as shoe choices and exercises can help you structure your life around RA with less discomfort. But first, let’s break down everything we’ll discuss today: 

  • What is Rheumatoid arthritis?
  • Best shoes for Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and exercises
  • Additional foot care practices for RA

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that wreaks havoc on your joints by mistakenly targeting the body’s healthy cells, leading to inflammation. It most commonly affects the feet, hands, wrists and knees.

It’s critical to take Rheumatoid arthritis seriously. If you don’t pay attention to foot care and neglect regular check-ups, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing complications. These include osteoporosis, an increased body mass index (BMI), heart and lung problems, and a compromised immune system that leaves you more vulnerable to infections. 

Click here to read more on RA, including symptoms, treatments from a chiropodist, and helpful medications.

Best Shoes for Rheumatoid Arthritis 

One way to practice foot care and pain management with RA is to be extremely vigilant about your shoes. 

Medical News Today notes that people with RA should look for shoes with a wide-toe box, rocker bottoms and cushioning with arch support. Adjustable straps and breathable materials can also be beneficial to maximize comfort levels. 

  • Rocker bottoms: Also called rocker soles, this shoe feature can reduce pain and help with mobility and activity limitation in RA patients. They are designed to reduce pressure under the ball of the foot and excessive toe motion. 
  • Wide toe box: Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to foot deformities in the form of severe bunions, claw toes and hammertoes. It can also cause severely flat feet, and a widened forefoot, sometimes called splay foot. Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue) can also pop up anywhere along the affected area. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box is imperative for maintaining a certain comfort level and accommodating these deformities. 
  • Adjustable straps: When you have Rheumatoid arthritis, having more room in the entire shoe to accommodate stiff joints and deformities can be a major plus. 
  • Breathable materials: A 2019 study highlighting important features of retail shoes for women with RA found that breathable materials (such as soft mesh uppers) were crucial for most patients.
  • Cushioning and arch support: The same study reported that most women found shoes with adequate rearfoot and forefoot cushioning most comfortable. Women said the same about longitudinal arch support.
Clarks Wave 2.0
The Clarks Wave 2.0 has a rocker sole

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise

An exercise routine can help most people with arthritis in the lower extremities. We’re not talking about exerting energy levels you aren’t comfortable with or practicing difficult workouts and training. We know that mobility constraints will always be an issue. 

Exercises should simply work the muscles in your feet and lower half to prevent atrophy from a lack of use and help with pain management and mobility. 

Here are some multi-purposeful exercises that can also help with RA:

Toe Flex and Raise

Ankle Circles / Alphabet

Calf Stretch on a Stair

Be sure to also check out our two-part series on the best exercises for arthritis!

Additional Foot Care Practices for RA

  • The RICE Method: Sometimes, your pain may flare up to the point where all you can do is be patient and wait until it passes. Luckily the magical combination of rest, ice (or heat), compression, and elevation can help you accommodate severe pain and swelling. 
  • Summer footwear: During the warm months, wear sandals with open toes. 
  • Warmth: Keep your feet as warm as possible, as cold air can worsen joint painA heating pad can also be very helpful for loosening stiff muscles.
  • Foot baths: The warm water in foot baths can loosen up stiff joints. Try adding Gehwol foot bath products for added comfort!
  • Meditation: Stress can often trigger RA flare-ups, so reducing anxiety via healthy, quiet rumination can be a wonderful preventative measure. Other stress-reducing lifestyle habits include taking walks (when physically able) and listening to soothing music.

Don't Forget to Visit Feet First Clinic!

Foot care from home is valuable, but combining that with the insight and skills of a chiropodist guarantees that you are doing everything you can to manage your Rheumatoid arthritis! 

Contact our office to book an appointment! Please fill out our online booking form, or call us at 416-769-3338!

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!


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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

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.