Treatment For Osteoarthritis in Foot & Ankle
Osteoarthirtis (OA) is also referred to as degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis and is most commonly found in joints that are overused. One such joint is the "Big Toe" joint in the foot. OA of the greater toe can be classified as Hallux Limitus or Hallux Rigidus depending on the extent to which it limits proper movement of the toe. Ankle OA is another common condition that can be treated at MyoDynamic Health.
Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms:
- Throbbing ache during extension and flexion.
- Enlargement of the joint.
- Stiffness, during first steps after rest.
- Difficulty flexing your foot or pointing your toes.
- Swelling.
- Prolonged deep ache/throbbing pain.
Custom Orthotics for Osteoarthritis:
Custom orthotics are designed to provide additional support to the feet and improve foot function, which can be beneficial for people with foot osteoarthritis. Here are some reasons why custom orthotics are good for foot osteoarthritis:
- Improved shock absorption: Custom orthotics can provide additional cushioning and shock absorption to the feet, which can help reduce the impact on the joints and alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Improved alignment: Custom orthotics can help improve foot alignment and redistribute pressure on the feet, which can help reduce joint stress and prevent further damage.
- Enhanced stability: Custom orthotics can provide additional stability to the feet, which can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
- Customized support: Custom orthotics are designed to fit the individual's foot and address their specific foot issues. This personalized approach can help provide optimal support and reduce pain and discomfort.
- Reduced reliance on pain medication: Custom orthotics can help reduce pain and improve foot function, which may lead to a decreased need for pain medication.
Overall, custom orthotics can be an effective treatment option for people with foot osteoarthritis as they can provide customized support, improve alignment, enhance stability, and reduce pain and discomfort. It's important to work with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a Certified Pedorthist, to ensure that the orthotics are properly fitted and provide the desired benefits.
Footwear Features To Help With Osteoarthritis
- Wide/Rounded/Deep Toe Box - allows more room in the toes, reducing squeezing and accommodating enlarged OA joint
- Rocker Forefoot - reduces force and flexion through the forefoot/metatarsals
- Cushioned Soling - provides cushioning to the metatarsal heads limiting excessive pressure and tenderness
- Reinforced Midfoot -reduces excessive movement through the midfoot allowing better heel to toe transfer
- Cushioned insole or removable sockliner - to accommodate Custom Made Orthotics
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Physiotherapy for Foot and Ankle OA
Physiotherapy can help with foot and ankle osteoarthritis by providing non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatments that can improve pain, function, and quality of life.
Here are some ways physiotherapy can help with foot and ankle osteoarthritis:
- Exercise therapy: A physiotherapist can design a customized exercise program to improve joint range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the foot and ankle. Exercise can also help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Examples of exercises for foot and ankle osteoarthritis include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.
- Manual therapy: Physiotherapists may use various manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to help reduce pain and stiffness in the foot and ankle joints.
- Patient education: Physiotherapists can educate patients about self-management strategies such as lifestyle modifications, weight management, and activity modification to help prevent further joint damage and reduce symptoms.
- Gait analysis: A physiotherapist may conduct a gait analysis to identify any abnormal movement patterns that may be contributing to the osteoarthritis. Based on the analysis, they can suggest corrective exercises or modifications to the patient's gait to improve their joint alignment.
Overall, physiotherapy & custom orthotics can play an important role in the management of foot and ankle osteoarthritis by providing patients with non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment options that can help reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their overall quality of life.
MyoDynamic Health also treats OA for:
and more..
