What Is Arthritis Foot Pain?
Arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints of the body, which ultimately causes pain. There are many forms of arthritis that affects various parts of the body, some of these conditions include arthritis foot pain, arthritis back pain and arthritis hand. Hence, foot pain is the inflammation of the joint in the foot, which leads to damage, and pain of the foot.
How Does Arthritis Affect The Foot?
Generally what happens is that foot joint inflammation occurs due to the swelling of the lining of the joints and cartilage, which can also lead to the increase of joint fluid. This overall can cause great discomfort to the foot, which leads to arthritis foot pain.
The Types of Arthritis Foot Pain
There are a wide variety of causes of arthritis. That being said, two most popular causes of arthritis foot pain include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which basically means that the host immune system does not recognize itself; instead it sees itself as foreign and will initiate an immune response to the area of the body it sees as foreign. It is a chronic and systemic disease leading to various foot problems such as hammertoes and bunions.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is caused by shock and other and infection to the joint. Alternatively, it can also be caused by age and obesity.
Other forms of foot arthritis can be caused by heredity factors, injury and strains to the foot, various infections caused by bacteria and viruses that target the joints, various disorders including colitis and ileitis and finally drug use or drug abuse.
Arthritis Foot Pain And Its Symptoms
The obvious symptom here would be pains to the foot joint where it is swollen. Movement may also be hindered due to the pain. Other symptoms of arthritis include morning sickness, recurring pain of a joint, rashes, redness and heat in the joint.
Relieving Arthritis Foot Pain
Physical exercise and movement is a way to relieve the joints. Low impact activities are recommended, examples include swimming and walking. Massaging the foot can also relieve its symptoms. In addition to exercises, medication can be used. Some of these come in the form of creams whilst others as tablets. Examples include anti-inflammatory creams, aspirin, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Finally, in order to soothe the pain during everyday activities padded yet spacious footwear can be worn, rocker bottom soles and various supports to decrease stress on the foot as well as digital devices to soothe and support the foot whilst protecting and straightening the toes.
Getting Some Clarification On Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases include ailments that are slow progressing and of long duration, such as Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Heart Disease, Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The biggest killers in America are Chronic Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Respiratory Disease and Diabetes. The prolonged suffering can be a tremendous financial burden for millions of Americans and more often that not, the only real “cure” is lifestyle modification and medication to relieve some of the most painful symptoms.
One of the most painful and debilitating chronic diseases is Arthritis, which includes over 100 inflammatory diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues. Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Arthritis, Gout and Carpal Tunnel Disease are some of the diseases that afflict 46 million adults. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and represents over $80 billion in medical costs, so it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk.
Those who are most at risk include women (60% of all cases), the elderly (half of all cases), the obese and those who work in sports or repetitive motion occupations. According to a recent study, the Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program reduces Rheumatoid Arthritic pain by 20% and reduces physician visits by 40%. This small group education course offers physical exercises, which can reduce function decline by up to 41% or disability by 47%, weight loss programs that reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by 50%, as well as nutritional advice. Participants in the program can also learn about physical therapy, medications and joint replacement therapy options that can help them live a long and robust life.
Obesity is a leading cause of many different chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 Diabetes, Cancer and Osteoarthritis. The obesity rate in the United States has tripled over the last thirty years and costs Americans $117 billion each year. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are the major causes for obesity, and while some cases are believed to be genetically linked, most of these cases are reversible through rigorous training regardless. Programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig can help overweight individuals get the boost they need to start eating a more balanced diet, while aquatic therapy provides a low-impact way to work out, even if the individual suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Chronic diseases are something that every American fears. The idea of being bed ridden or visiting the physician time and time again can be intimidating, especially when one considers the health care costs associated with a long-term disease. The worst part is in knowing that many cases are preventable through simple lifestyle modifications. It seems the natural human urge is to “live my life how I want,” but now we’re seeing the drawbacks to such a stubborn philosophy. Even if you are already suffering, habitual changes can tack on many more years and allow you greater satisfaction in life.
