Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints in the body. In the feet, the ball of the foot (metatarso-phalangeal joints) and the sub-talor joint below the ankle joint are often affected. The pain, stiffness and deformity associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be managed. Usually, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are under the care of a rheumatologist to manage the drug therapy. A podiatrist and physical therapist will also help you manage rheumatoid arthritis in the feet.
Instructions
1. Move your feet and ankles before standing up after resting for long periods, especially first thing in the morning. You should rotate your feet and ankles for a few minutes before weight-bearing. This will ease the stiffness that occurs with rest and may ease the pain that occurs with the first few steps.
2. Choose shoes that provide both support and cushioning. The more cushioned the sole, the less likely you will feel the pain in the ball of the foot. Try not to walk barefoot as you are more likely to fell like you are "walking on pebbles" as the ball of your foot touches the ground. Choose a shoe or with lots of ankle support to prevent you foot from rolling in. Speak to your podiatrist for footwear advice.
3. Do not struggle with laces. Velcro straps are a good option if you also have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands. Do not wear slip-on shoes on a regular basis.
4. Visit your physician or rheumatologist on a regular basis to monitor the medication that you are taking. They will advise you on the frequency of consultations needed.
5. Seek the help of a physical therapist to keep the painful joints moving. They may suggest hydrotherapy, which involves carrying out various exercises in a heated pool (hydro-pool). This will also prevent your muscles from wasting from disuse and prevent the affected joints from becoming stiff.
6. Make an appointment with your podiatrist. They will assess you to see what type of orthotics and footwear need to be prescribed. This may reduce the deformity that can occur as a result of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet.
7. Prevent other problems occurring in your feet, such as corns, calluses, blisters and infections. Follow footwear advice from your podiatrist. They may also prescribe specific shoes for you that support your feet and fit well.
Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, your feet, your podiatrist, your podiatrist They, arthritis feet, ball foot