Relieving Arthritic Foot Pain

September 7, 2017 • • foot carefoot conditionsfoot exercisefoot pain

Arthritis is a common disorder that can affect people of all ages – and each with their own particular symptoms. Treatments can range from home care to using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments, or a Richie Brace to help with degenerative arthritis. The differences are due to the fact that each person can have unique causes for painful flare-ups or inflammation. Nonetheless, there are some common ways that you can be proactive in preventing flare-ups and making some lifestyle changes to deal with them. 

For starters, caring for your feet will include the some of the same tactics used for all folks who contend with arthritis, such as:

  • Keep track of what triggers your flare-ups: food, activity, stress. Do your best to avoid things that increase your arthritis pain or inflammation. 
  • Do your best to maintain a healthy diet, including anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. 
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: do not let your arthritis get the best of you! Exercise and physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and prevent stiff joints. Walking and yoga are two activities that are manageable, as long as you listen to your body.
  • Get plenty of rest. This means regular sleep, but it also means to schedule rest periods during the day, especially if you tend to be have a busy lifestyle. 

Your feet and ankles are made up of 33 joints in each side. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that arthritis can greatly affect your feet. The following are some at-home care tips for arthritic foot pain:

  • Comfortable shoes are important for foot care. Support for the balls of the feet, arches, and heels is essential for preventing pain from foot strain. You also need adequate cushioning to prevent pain from impact with hard floors. Custom orthotics may be the best way to suit your arthritic feet. 
  • Use house shoes to give your feet softness and protection at all times. Additionally, put cushioned mats in areas where you may stand for long periods of time, such as in front of bathroom and kitchen sinks and the stove.
  • For pain, use a pain-relief cream or ointment with capsaicin, or take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs. Ask your doctor before you begin pain medications. 
  • Foot massages and foot soaks with Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation and pain. 

If you are concerned with arthritic foot pain that won’t seem to go away, make an appointment today at Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group. One of our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Douglas H. Richie, Dr. Jeremy L. Cook, and Dr. Faye E. Izadi, will be happy to assess your feet to find you relief at either of our Seal Beach, CA and Los Alamitos, CA offices in Orange County.

Request an Appointment

Fill out the form below to reach Alamitos – Seal Beach Podiatry Group, or call Los Alamitos: (562) 203-6151 or Seal Beach: (562) 242-1559 for immediate assistance.











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