Arthritis is a destructive condition which affects multiple body joints and connective tissue. Inflammatory Arthritis: often marked by episodes of stiffness, heat, redness, swelling and pain. Movement is often limited, particularly connective tissue and joint(s) involved. This adversely affects other movements and gait. For most people, arthritis means living with pain. Pain can be an exhausting companion day-in, day-out for many arthritis sufferers.
   Medical professionals and individuals dealing with arthritis turn to Pedorthists for affordable at-once solutions. Credentialed Pedorthists (CPed, LPed, etc.) are trained to help relieve pain, improve comfort, function and mobility, and enhance quality of life. Pedorthists are trained and qualified to help manage and treat conditions of feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Pedorthists fit, fabricate, and adjust footwear, lower extremity orthotics, partial foot prosthetics, customized modifications, and other treatment modalities. These pedorthic strategies help improve balance and alignment when standing, walking and during athletic activities. For people with arthritis, Pedorthists can make the difference between observing and participating.

Arthritis Adverse Effects on Feet

When arthritis strikes joints and connective tissue in the foot and ankle, walking can become difficult and painful. A decrease in ambulatory capacity affects the rest of the body and affects other joints. When painful arthritis attacks a joint such as the hip or spine, people compensate by standing, walking, or sitting differently. These compensations can change the distribution of their body weight, which usually adversely affects their feet. As pain worsens, movement is diminished to help lessen pain. A debilitating cycle is exacerbated: pain, limited motion, loss of flexibility, further joint deterioration, and increased pain. Pedorthists’ job is helping patients move with greater ease and comfort, and less pain.

Staying Active

Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that worsens over time. It often affects the hips, knees, spine, and fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis. Both types are destructive and disabling. In an acute phase with extreme swelling, heat and pain can occur early. Later, as the disease “burns out,” deformity is a bigger problem.

Pedorthic Solutions for Arthritic Foot and Ankle Problems

An important goal for arthritis sufferers is to increase activity and exercise, to maintain flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Arthritis has a systemic ripple effect to and from their feet. Often overlooked, happier feet mean happier lives.

Credentialed and licensed pedorthists (CPED, LPED, etc.) First Responders Foot and Ankle Problems

• Qualified by education and experience
• Utilize pedorthic clinical and technical skills
• Customize and provide shoes and orthoses
• Help retain and enhance mobility
• Improve function and endurance
• Relieve pain

Results can sometimes be immediately apparent. Other times, positive results come with wearing the appropriate shoes and orthoses, over time. Your Pedorthist may suggest a particular shoe style, size (length, width, depth) and “Last” (actual shape of the shoes in relation to the shape of your feet). This can make a significant difference. Your Pedorthist may modify shoes’ interiors or exteriors to improve comfort and endurance.
   Pedorthists are trained in shoe construction, lower extremity orthotic fabrication, and the materials, fabrics, and components appropriate to address foot or ankle conditions. Many are skilled technicians, fabricating orthoses, customizing footwear to fit each foot. For people with severe arthritis, shoe modifications and orthoses can be crucial. In less severe cases, proper shoes combined with prescribed orthotics allow comfortable participation in regular activities, from walking to more vigorous activities like sports. Use of pedorthic modalities plays a role in other body areas. Shock absorbing materials and customized orthotics can help redistribute weight to assist joints above the feet and ankles.
   Special shoe closures can be fabricated to help people who have trouble lacing or tying, or who have difficulty bending. Arthritis affects one’s ability to move and live a normal life. Although Pedorthists do not cure arthritis, they help people who have arthritis to participate instead of observing. Pedorthists can enhance mobility – and for people with arthritis, the potential benefits are enormous.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Health insurance:
Patients may be eligible through health insurance for partial or full reimbursement for footwear prescribed to accommodate or alleviate medical conditions.

This information about the Pedorthist role in helping people manage their arthritis related foot conditions. It is not a substitute for professional consultation.

Printable Format:
This information is available to PFA Members for free in printable brochure format it is located in the PFA Store (click here).

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