Crane driver and sports enthusiast Brian Girdwood has struggled with arthritis in the joints for six years. “Years of boxing, rugby and marathons in the Army were taking their toll,” said Girdwood. Painkillers and other treatments seemed to have no effect, according to Girdwood. That was until he was offered surgery to remove a small amount of bone from elsewhere in the body and fuse the bones in his neck together to stop them from grinding against each other. Editor Carol Davis states bone fusion is often used to cure some of the wear and tear in the spine and ankles, or for deformities such as hammertoes. For Brain, the benefits have been positive, having his bones fused, and now being able to move his head without fear of pain.

If you are experiencing foot pain and think it might be caused by arthritis, you should seek the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Bryant Tarr of Sudbury & Westford Podiatry is experienced in treating patients with foot pain caused by arthritis, and can provide you with a proper diagnosis to determine if your foot pain is in fact caused by arthritis.

Arthritic Foot Care

We walk approximately 75,000 miles in the average lifetime, putting a great deal of stress on the 26 bones and 30 joints that we have in our feet. Our feet lose flexibility and elasticity as we get older. Our shock absorbers weaken, and if arthritis occurs, the joints become inflamed and distorted. Arthritic foot care and treatment is crucial when this happens.

Take care of your feet by wearing footwear that is well-fitted. Certain conditions can develop when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly; such as hammertoes, neuroma, and bunions. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room in the shoe can help your feet be comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot can become problematic. Buying shoes with adequate arch support helps; especially those that contour to your foot.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

Specific exercises may help prevent further pain and injury and increase your mobility.

To learn more about arthritic foot care, please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Sudbury and Westford, MA.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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