Seniors: You Can Still Have Active, Happy Feet with Arthritis!
Arthritis isn’t just one condition; rather, it’s a blanket term covering more than 100 disorders that afflict the joints. Unfortunately, any one of those disorders can take a toll on your ability to stay active, especially when it strikes at the connections between your feet and ankles.
Seniors, in particular, tend to value their independence and mobility, but arthritis gets in the way of both. With that in mind, here are some essential tips to ensure senior feet stay happy and healthy, courtesy of the team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle.
1. Supportive Footwear:
- Fit is Key: Prioritize ample space for your toes and proper arch support. Avoid tight or pointed footwear that can pinch nerves, worsening pain.
- Cushioning Counts: Select shoes with shock-absorbing soles to minimize impact on your joints. Look for materials like gel or air cushioning.
- Consider Custom Orthotics: For specific foot concerns, consult a podiatrist about custom orthotics for personalized support and pain relief.
2. Gentle Exercise and Movement:
- Warm Up and Cool Down: Before any activity, spend five minutes on gentle stretches to warm up your joints and muscles. Cool down with light stretches afterward.
- Low-Impact Options: Walking, swimming, water aerobics, or chair exercises help with weight management and reduce pressure on the joints as a result.
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t push through pain. Rest when needed, adjust the intensity or duration of activities based on comfort level and consider joint assistive devices like braces when hurting.
3. Professional Foot Care:
- Podiatrist Visits: Schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for foot exams and common-sense medical advice.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can improve flexibility, strength, and balance, all of which contribute to foot health and pain management.
- Guided Injections: The use of ultrasound guidance is helping podiatrists deliver injections of corticosteroids or pain-relieving drugs accurately, simply, and safely to the joint in need.
Arthritis doesn’t have to stop you from being active, healthy, or happy. With the right tools and the right DPM, any senior can keep on doing the things they love while managing pain and discomfort.
Aching from arthritis? Schedule an appointment today! Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be delighted to get you moving smoothly again, whatever your age might be.
