There are many different types of arthritis and the foot can be targeted specifically. The most common type is osteoarthritis often occurring in the big toe joint. Osteoarthritis causes excessive strain and the wearing away of cartilage in the joints of the foot this can lead to mid-foot collapse and swollen painful joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age and has a very crippling affect on the foot. It can cause severe deformities of the joints especially within metatarsal heads and the ankle joint with associated fatigue of the entire body. Due to the inflammation at the joints often bunions and lesser toe deformities occur with reduced tissue viability, corns and callus formation, nodules and eventually some loss of sensation.

Gout is an excess of uric acid crystals and can target the big toe joint making it appear red, swollen and so painful someone can’t bear bedclothes touching it. Usually a blood test can determine diagnosis and specific treatment.

There are many other arthritic conditions some caused by infections and others by specific skin condition, trauma or connective tissue disorders leading to similar foot problems.

Treatment
Footwear can be difficult especially to accommodate large deformities. Avoid high heel footwear to reduce pressure on the balls of the feet and wide comfortable shoes are recommended, some trainers are beneficial to alternate with other footwear.

Simple insoles or orthotic devices can reduce tissue stress and alleviate some foot pain by reducing the corn and callus build up. Supporting the foot with orthotics can stabilise and rest the foot especially with the destructive joint process with Rheumatoid arthritis.