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Pedorthics...arthritic foot care |
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PEDORTHICS:ASSESSMENTDESIGNMANUFACTURERSREHABILITATIONADDITIONAL INFO.contact usfacilitieshome |
Arthritis is America’s Number 1 crippler. Some 37
million men, women and children suffer from this disease that causes inflammation of body
joints. When arthritis strikes joints in the foot, walking can become painful and so difficult that a lack of mobility can affect other parts of the body. When arthritis attacks other body joints like the hip or spine, people compensate by standing, walking or sitting differently. This changes the distribution of body weight which effects their feet. To maintain flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, doctors increasingly recommend activity or exercise for their arthritic patients. They also prescribe pedorthic assistance to respond to arthritis’ "ripple effect" that spreads to or from the feet. Pain Relief... Arthritis sufferers may be so accustomed to pain that they don’t realize that treatment is possible. Pedorthics can enhance mobility for arthritis sufferers, and the potential benefits can be enormous. Our practitioners can suggest another shoe style or a length, width or depth change that can make a big difference. Modification of the shoe’s interior or exterior for a better fit can make a difference. Orthoses that are properly prescribed, fabricated and fitted can allow for greater comfort while walking and allow for more frequent participation in activities. Other joints above the feet can be cushioned and protected by properly fitted orthoses and shoes. Take Good Care!... Some guidelines for arthritis sufferers in maintaining healthy feet: Check your feet often (between toes too) for blisters, cuts, scratches, red areas on tops of toes and sides and bottoms of feet. Wash feet daily, and dry carefully...especially between toes. Don’t use chemicals to remove corns or calluses. Don’t cut or trim them either. Cut toenails straight across. Wear properly fitted stockings; avoid wearing garters or other tight fitting bands around your legs. Work with a footcare specialist... Position of bones in your feet change with arthritis, so you may need to modify or change your footwear often...New shoes should be fit by a professional. If you can’t find comfortable shoes, ask a footcare specialist for advice. When your feet are painful, walk for short periods of time. Lose excess weight so that your feet won’t need to carry it. If your ankle turns in when you walk, see your footcare specialist. Tell your medical specialist: if you have painful overlapping toes or you feel like you’re walking on rocks. Consult your medical professionals and footcare specialist regularly. |