Footwear has always been thought of primarily as a protection to the feet, and progressively as a powerful accessory to the attire contributing to the element of fashion and status. However, in the medical world it has contributed much more than mere protection device or fashion device. It has a soothing supportive function to those hapless victims of arthritis, which is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or more joints causing pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. The structural and functional changes in the foot of the patients may affect the gait and mobility of them, impacting on the quality of their life. It is precisely here the custom-designed footwear works like magic.
Foot Problems in Arthritis
Foot problems are usually hard to avoid due to the large weight falling on them. Usually, arthritic patients have pain in the joint, sole or ball of the feet. This can alter the way of walking which can, in the later stages, lead to hardened soles and wounds. Eventually, the bone positions may change and the feet may lose their ability to support the knee and hip joints. This can affect the balance.
Regular wear and tear of feet leads to poor circulation and other conditions also. One disorder leads to another and the cycle continues. Finally, the nerves also start getting affected resulting in a tingling sensation and a feeling of numbness.
Footwear in Arthritis and Their Benefits
As Arthritis is a condition which cannot be cured fully, it can only be controlled. Hence, prevention is always advised. In case of arthritis where feet are affected, footwear does wonders in correcting the deformities and reducing the symptoms.
Some of the benefits Of footwear include:
- As discussed earlier, arthritis can cause a change in bone positions. When it occurs in feet, it can put a lot of stress in the ligaments and the muscles. Gradually, the ligaments and the arch of the feet are unable to take up the additional stress on themselves and hence collapse. There are insoles available that are replaceable and adjustable. These assist in supporting the arch and stabilizing the feet as a whole thereby giving more stability.
- Insoles also provide flexibility to the feet. Movements become easier and less painful.
- Insoles are also amazing with respect to comfort. They can ensure walking and weight bearing really comfortable without any stress.
- There are footwear designed that even limit the movement instead of promoting them. These are preferred when specific joints in the feet are affected and their motion further deteriorates the condition. The shoes limit motion at specific areas while allowing movements at other areas.
- Apart from taking care of the feet, the shoes indirectly reduce stress over the adjacent areas such as knees. The knees are another very important weight bearing joints of the body. When the feet are unable to carry weight or when weight cannot be distributed properly across the feet, the knees are under continuous pressure to dissipate the weight. This causes their wear and tear. There has been evidence that proper footwear can alleviate the pain in the knee joints also.
- A flat sole shoe is recommended than a heal one. This maintains the balance in the already weak foot and reduces the risk of falling.
- They increase blood circulation in the feet and keep the soles free from hardening and thickening.
- Specially designed soles in the shoes provide exercise with each step such that the overall health of the feet is taken care of.
- The whole body is a single chain. An improper posture in one joint will lead to improper positioning in other joints. Not only the knees but even the spine develop problems due to arthritic feet. A proper footwear uses the proper bones to be operated during movement, assisting in normal spinal posture and alignment.
The knees and joints support our body as we walk and work. Even for normal healthy joints the job of supporting our body weight can be stressful. It is needless to say that the victims of arthritis may go through a lot strain on their joints causing pain and discomfort. The support given by the specially designed footwear for arthritis is a boon.
