Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage located on the ends of joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is very important, as it protects and cushions the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is associated with aging. It can affect any of the joints in the body, and frequently affects the joints of the feet and the ankles. Though rarer, osteoarthritis can also occur as a consequence of an injury, such as as a sprain or fracture, or as a result of abnormal foot biomechanics. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints, swelling, and difficulty walking or bending the joints. In some cases, bony protrusions called bone spurs can develop on the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. Diagnosing the condition early allows for earlier treatment, which can help preserve the health and function of your joints. 

A variety of treatment options are available for osteoarthritis. Pain can often be minimized by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections into the affected joints, and wearing orthotics. Bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle may help reduce inflammation and prevent deformity of the joint. Doing specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles to prevent injuries. In cases where more conservative treatments have failed or in which arthritis has progressed significantly, surgery may be an option. If you have osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist. 

Wearing the right shoes is important for more reasons than your appearance - it can also benefit the health of your feet. Ill-fitting, unsupportive, and uncomfortable shoes can cause or contribute to many foot problems, including bunions, corns, calluses, and hammertoes. Comfortable, supportive, and properly fitted shoes, on the other hand, can prevent and relieve foot pain. 

When shopping for shoes, there are several things to keep in mind. It is best to try on shoes prior to purchasing them. Your feet swell throughout the day and are at their largest in the late afternoon or early evening. It is best to try on shoes at this time to ensure that they will fit your feet throughout the day. Having both feet measured in a shoe store can also help ensure that you get the right size. Your feet grow and change throughout your lifetime, even in adulthood, so your shoe size can change. When you are trying on shoes, be sure to walk around the store in them to see how they fit. If you wear orthotic inserts, bring them with you when you go shopping so you can try them out in the various shoes you try on. 

But what kinds of shoes should you look for? It’s best to avoid shoes that have excessively high heels and narrow or pointed toes, which can increase the pressure on your toe joints and cause foot deformities. A wide toe area that allows you to wiggle your toes will likely be more comfortable. Shoes with a soft but rigid back will prevent your heel from slipping while you walk. You should also look for shoes with adequate cushioning that are made with breathable materials.

For more information about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Foot biomechanics is an area of foot care that examines the structure, function, and motion of the feet. When these factors are carefully examined, they can provide more information about potential causes of foot and ankle pain and help your chiropodist find the best treatments for the unique needs of your feet. 

The study of biomechanics dates back to ancient times but became more well known in modern history when findings claimed that changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and foot can lead to positive clinical outcomes when treating various foot and ankle conditions. 

The advent of modern technology, such as computer analysis, has continued to expand on these discoveries and helps medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care. Understanding the biomechanics of the feet can help in the diagnosis of various conditions and prescribing targeted treatments that reduce or eliminate pain. For example, a chiropodist can analyze your gait, or walking pattern, and determine if there are any abnormalities that can be treated with custom orthotics or footwear modifications.

Like other parts of your body, your feet are composed of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. And just like other parts of your body, your feet can benefit from exercise. The feet support the rest of your body, so keeping them strong and flexible will help you maintain your overall health and mobility for years to come.

To improve foot flexibility and mobility, you can do a few simple stretches. Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your toes and the balls of your feet on the floor, slowly raise your heels. Hold for several seconds and then lower them to the floor. Next, point your toes and slowly raise your heels until only the tips of your longest toes are touching the floor. Hold for several seconds and then lower your heels to the floor again. Finally, raise your heels and curl your toes inwards so that only the tips of the toes touch the floor. Hold for five seconds. Repeat each of these steps 10 times to boost foot flexibility. 

To strengthen your toes, you can do simple toe curls. Spread a small towel on the flat on the floor. Sit upright in a chair and place one foot flat on the floor and the other flat on the towel. Using only your toes, grasp the towel and scrunch it, pulling it towards yourself. Repeat this on the other foot. You can also spread some marbles out on the floor in front of you and use just your toes to pick them up. 

To learn more about various foot exercises, consult with a chiropodist. 

Falls are a leading cause of serious injury among the elderly. In fact, falls are the cause of the majority of hospitalizations for elderly people. As we age, our risk of falling increases due to deterioration in physical strength, coordination, vision, and hearing. Unsafe conditions in the home are often responsible for falls, and about half of all falls among the elderly occur in the home environment. Falling can cause a variety of complications, including injuries to the legs and feet, which can greatly impact one’s mobility and independence. 

Fortunately, falls can often be prevented. There are various preventive measures that you can take to make your home environment safer and less likely to contribute to a fall. In the bathroom, where wet and slippery conditions can lead to falling, it is recommended that you have non-slip surfaces in the shower and tub, install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as they occur. In the living room and bedroom, it is important to make sure that the floor is free of clutter and obstacles, such as loose cords and wires, small furniture items, and other tripping hazards. Ensure that all rugs and mats are firmly anchored and that there is good lighting throughout the home. In the kitchen, it is suggested that you store appliances and other supplies in places that are easy to reach and that you wipe up any spills that may occur immediately. If your home has stairs, they should be well lit and have secure handrails. 

You can also prevent falls by modifying your own behavior. When moving around the home, walk slowly and carefully, turn on lights when walking through your home at night, and use any mobility aids, such as a cane or walker, when needed. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to maintain your overall health. Speak regularly with your doctor to monitor your medications, especially if you are taking any medications that may increase your risk of falling due to side effects such as dizziness. For more tips on how to prevent falls, please consult with a chiropodist.