Arthritis is a disease that is generally characterized by inflammation and damage to a body's joints. The disease attacks cartilage, joint linings, bones and connective tissues such as ligaments. It takes away the normal, pain-free function of a joint. It can occur in any joint - in the wrist, shoulder, back, neck, hip, hands, ankle or foot.

Arthritis affects nearly one of every seven people in the United States. It occurs more frequently in senior citizens but can strike people of any age - even children. In the U.S. alone, there are over 31 million victims of arthritis, and it is estimated that by the year 2020, there will more than 60 million Americans with arthritis.

Since each foot has 26 bones and over 30 joints, it only makes sense that the foot and ankle are major targets for arthritis. At least half of all Americans over age 60 have arthritis of the foot and/or ankle. There are many types of arthritis that can affect these two areas.

Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It is the gradual wearing out of the joint cartilage that comes with age. Motion becomes very difficult and painful, and joints can become stiff after periods of rest. However, osteoarthritis can also be the result of an old injury - known as traumatic arthritis. Often an injury such as a broken bone, ankle sprain or torn ligament will result in arthritis years later even though the injured joint received proper medical attention at the time. Osteoarthritis can affect just one joint or many.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis, as are psoriatic arthritis, gout and lupus. A chronic condition, inflammatory arthritis usually affects more than one joint and sometimes affects all of the body's joints. It can cause severe deformities of the joints and general fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling form of the disease that affects people of all ages. In fact, nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the U.S. have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. People who suffer from this condition may develop severe deformities in their feet such as bunions, hammertoes or claw toes. They can also develop other deformities of the forefoot and midfoot. People who have had rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years or more almost always develop foot and ankle problems. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis and there is no known cause, but there are many things that a person with arthritis can do to manage the condition and address the pain associated with the disease.
 

How Can a Pedorthist Help? A pedorthist uses shoes, either off-the-shelf or custom-made, to help patients. Proper shoes can dramatically reduce the amount of pain that an arthritis sufferer experiences. Pedorthists are careful to select shoes that are roomy in the toe area, eliminating pressure on the toes as well as the ball of the foot. Shoe soles should be thick and cushioned to increase shock absorption. A majority of Americans, including arthritis sufferers who have not yet worked with a pedorthist, tend to wear their shoes too small and too tight. Foot orthoses can also be an effective tool in combating the painful effects of arthritis. A properly made foot orthosis provides extra cushion for the bottom of the foot and helps redistribute body weight evenly over the entire bottom surface of the foot. This in turn eliminates painful high-pressure areas of the deformity. A certified pedorthist is familiar with the available materials used in making foot orthoses. For continued effectiveness, shoes and orthoses will need to be replaced periodically. Follow-up visits with the physician and pedorthist are necessary for maintained pain relief. Results that come from working with a pedorthist are often apparent immediately. Other times, positive results are gradual with the wearing of proper shoes and orthoses over a period of time. A pedorthist is an important team member who helps arthritis sufferers remain active participants in life.