Gout Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Orthotics & Shoes
Gout Arthritis is primarily caused by excessive amounts of uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product produced when we attempt to process rich foods such as meat and poultry. Gout develops when the levels of uric acid are too high to be broken down. This surplus acid forms pin-like crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.
First metatarsal Osteoarthritis is associated with the development of Gout of the big toe joint, causing it to become red and swollen.
Gouty Attacks
Patients with Gout Arthritis can experience sudden attacks of excruciating pain.
- Burning sensation
- Occur with little or no warning
- Often at night
SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
Gout Arthritis can cause pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the joints of the feet and ankles along with the following:
- Decreased range of motion
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Deformities
TIPS TO HELP RELIEVE ARTHRITIS PAIN
Here are a few tips to help ease the pain and stiffness in your feet and ankles:
- Choose orthotics that support your feet
- Chose comfortable footwear
- Wear compression socks to help reduce swelling
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid additional stress on joints
- Exercises and stretches
- Applying ice or heat
In addition, drinking more water and eating fewer rich foods can help treat Gout Arthritis can be treated to help reduce the symptoms.
5 EXERCISES FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN
Exercise can help increase strength and flexibility for people with arthritis pain in the feet and ankles. Here are a few simple exercises you can do at home. Make sure you maintain proper posture by sitting up straight in a chair.
1. Toe Splay
Sit up straight on a chair and place your feet flat on the ground. Spread your toes away from each other and hold the stretch for 5-7 seconds and release. Repeat 5-6 times.
2. Big Toe Stretch
Sit up straight on a chair and cross one leg over the other. Make sure your other foot is flat on the ground. Hold your big toe with your fingers and gently move it toward you and away from the other toes. Hold this stretch for 15 seconds and move it in the opposite direction for 15 seconds. You can repeat this 3-4 times on each foot.
3. Ankle Circles
Sit up straight on a chair and lift your foot to draw circles using the big toe. Draw circles using your big toe clockwise and anticlockwise.
4. Marble Pick Ups
Place marbles and a cup on the floor. Use your toes to pick up one marble and slowly place it in the cup. Repeat it 7-8 times on each foot.
5. Ball Roll
Sit on a chair and place a tennis ball on the floor near your feet. Move your foot on top of the tennis ball and roll it around the ball. Use the ball to massage the bottom of your foot for 3-5 minutes. You can increase or decrease the pressure on the tennis ball as needed.
ORTHOTICS FOR ARTHRITIS
Orthotics can help relieve pain and reduce symptoms of mid-foot Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
A study found that patients with mid-foot Arthritis who used orthotics for four weeks felt pressure on the mid-foot relieved by 20%. Patients also reported that their overall foot function improved by an average of 12%.
A study shows that patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who used orthotics for three months felt their pain reduced, their step and stride length increased, and their energy expenditure decreased. Additionally, orthotics with increased cushioning have been found to significantly reduce foot pain for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Metatarsalgia when used over a one-month period.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ORTHOTICS FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN
Aetrex Orthotic Features:
- Signature arch support helps align the body correctly to prevent stress on the knees, back, hip and foot
- A thick premium memory foam layer helps provide superior cushioning & comfort
- Helps redistribute pressure on areas that are prone to pain
- Helps absorb shock to protect the foot and prevent injuries
- Helps provide stability & support to keep the feet in place
BEST ORTHOTICS FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOES FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN
Unsupportive shoes can worsen pain in the foot and ankle. There are two important features a shoe needs to help alleviate arthritis pain: memory foam cushioning and wide width. Along with superior arch support, Aetrex Shoes have supportive features built-in.
Aetrex Shoe Features:
- Aetrex signature arch support
- Wide widths for extra comfort
- Memory foam to evenly distribute weight and provide ultimate comfort
- Shoe laces and straps for full adjustability
- Padded heel to reduce discomfort and blisters
- Stretchy materials for additional comfort and more room inside the shoe when needed
- Met bar pod to help relieve ball of foot discomfort or stress
