Arthritis and Feet

What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by having too much uric acid in the joints. Uric acid is a substance that forms when your body breaks down a substance called purines. Uric acid usually dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine. In people with gout, uric acid builds up and forms sharp crystals that can collect around the joints. This causes pain and swelling in the affected joints.

Could I have arthritis in my feet?
Absolutely!  Arthritis can affect any joint in your body.  Your feet are especially prone to develop arthritis because they take a lot of pressure every day.  Your symptoms may include aching or generalized pain in one joint or an entire area of your foot. 

What about rheumatoid arthritis and feet?
There are certain types of arthritis which cause more deformity and pain.  Rheumatoid arthritis often causes moderate to severe bone changes in the feet, especially in the toes and the ball of the foot.  The feet can become very painful and difficult to walk on. 

Treatment
An arthritic joint or joints, from osteoarthritis or previous trauma, will benefit from an evaluation from a foot care professional.  It is important to verify the amount of damage, if any, to the joint.  Just like any joint in your body that has arthritis, it benefits from protection.  The unique problem with foot arthritis is the fact that we have to keep walking on it.  Feet just take a licking and keep on ticking!!!  Our job is to help them work without as much stress.  Generally, shoes which are deeper and a little stiffer, protect the joints from too much motion.  Also, orthotics may help realign the forces that affect that particular joint.

Special Circumstances
A severe arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may need special accommodation and protection.   It is suggested that you work with a team of specialists, including a rheumatologist, podiatrist and physical therapist, to assure that a long term care plan is established.  You may need to consider special shoes, or even custom made shoes to make room for the bone changes that have occurred.  Often, the most pain deformity occurs in the ball of the foot.  Special orthotics are available which provide cushioning and shock absorption.

Don’t live with pain in your feet.  If you have are experiencing symptoms call today for an evaluation in our convenient Seattle office.

All pages on this website © 2008
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.