What do you know about foot arthritis?

1. What are the symptoms of arthritis?

A. Stiffness or swelling of the joints

B. Pain

C. Difficulty moving or walking

D. All of the above can be symptoms of arthritis

2. Match the type of arthritis to the correct description:

A. Osteoarthritis

B. Psoriatic Arthritis

C. Rheumatoid Arthritis

D. Posttraumatic Arthritis

1. This type of arthritis can affect many joints of the foot, but most commonly affects the joints closest to the nail. This causes toes to turn red and swell into a sausage shape.

2. This type of arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of the foot. Bones can start to push against the skin at the bottom of the foot.

3. This is the most common form or arthritis, and is caused by normal wear and tear of the joints.  This type of arthritis can develop in the many joints of the foot.

4. This type of arthritis develops after an injury to the foot or ankle

3. Which type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease?

A. Osteoarthritis

B. Rheumatoid Arthritis

C. Psoriatic Arthritis

4. Osteoarthritis can result on bone rubbing on bone. This can produce painful osteophytes. What are osteophytes?

A. Bone spurs

B. Bunions

C. Stress Fractures

5. True or False? An injured joint is more likely than an uninjured joint to become arthritic.

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Bob Jenkins. Foot. (2010). Flickr.

Shoes for the Whole Family

We all know the importance of wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support. If you are doing the shoe shopping in your family, here are some good tips for all members.

Women

A lot of women are guilty of wearing shoes they know are too small, don’t fit properly, or even hurt. High heeled shoes, pointed toes and even ballet flats can cause orthopedic problems. Heels should be kept to 2” max, and even these should be worn in moderation. Your foot sits in an unnatural position when the heel is elevated too much. Shoes that have a heel one inch or lower and a roomy toe box are ideal. Look for a shoe that blends fashion and comfort. If you are wearing a heeled shoe, try not to wear it all day. Wear sneakers or a sturdy pair of flats for part of the day.

Men

Make sure the toe box is roomy and the heel is low, no higher than half an inch. Think about what you need in a shoe. If you are standing for long periods of time, shoes with softer, cushioned soles will keep you the most comfortable. If you are required to wear dress shoes, make sure there is enough room to move toes around. Some shoes are made out of hard materials and taper at the toes; this can leave little wiggle room. Shoes should be alternated on a daily basis, so buying 3-5 shoes for your work week is advisable.

Children

Your child’s shoe is probably the most important shoe you will shop for. Choosing the right shoe plays a critical role in musculoskeletal development. Infants who are just learning to walk do not typically need shoes. Walking barefoot helps the foot to grown normally, develop muscle strength and encourage toe grasping. Since children grow at such a fast rate, you should have their feet measured every time you are shopping for shoes. If one foot is larger, fit the larger foot. Make sure there is room to wiggle toes, there is a firm heel and the shoe does not slip off the heel. Have your child try them on and walk around. Look for any signs of discomfort. 

Image by Jennifer Feuchter. Family Shoe Photo. (2013). Flickr.

Plantar Fibromas

A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule that develops in the arch of the foot. They grow within the thick tissue of the plantar fascia, which extends from the heel to the toes.

Plantar Fibromas are:

• Slow growing masses
• Most commonly, a solitary nodule, although multiple nodules are possible.
• Not typically painful themselves, but as the nodule becomes larger, the pressure it puts on the nerves and blood vessels within your foot may be painful.
• Most commonly seen in the mid-arch region, but can develop anywhere along the underside of your foot.

These are not life-threatening tumors, but they do need to be treated properly. They can be uncomfortable and painful, can reduce your mobility, change your gait, and impair your ability to walk or even wear shoes. Some common treatments include:

• Stretching exercises
• Changing footwear to distribute weight evenly across the foot
• Anti-inflammatories
• Surgery to remove the nodule

 Image by heelsandfeet. Well Shaped Foot. (2007). Flickr.