5 ways to relieve lower body arthritis

FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

5 Ways to Relieve Lower Body Arthritis

LOWER BODY ARTHRITIS

If you’re over 50, there's a good chance you

suffer from some sort of arthritis in your feet,

knees, hips, or lower back.

Arthritis inflames your joints. Since your feet

have 33 separate joints that help you stand,

walk, and run, your feet are particularly

susceptible to developing arthritis.

Many options exist for treating arthritis, but

they all share the same goal—controlling

inflammation.

Here are 5 ways to relieve lower body

arthritis, recommended by the experts at

FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute.

1. Wear shoes with good all-around support

and cushioning to reduce shock and impact

on your joints.

Also seek out shoes with:• High, wide toe boxes, especially if you

have misshapen toes.• Rocker bottom soles, to make walking

easier and reduce stress on the ball of

your foot.

2. Use other supports to reduce stress

to reduce stress on your joints, such as

• Removable insoles or other shoe orthotics

• Foot, ankle or knee supports

• Toe straighteners and protectors

3. Use medicationsto find relief

such as anti-inflammatory creams, analgesics,

or other topical treatments.

Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory

medications can also help. You may want to

try over-the-counter glucosamine and

chondroitin supplements, which have been

reported to improve joint health.

4. Exercise!

Arthritis doesn’t mean you should stop

exercising. Especially consider low-impact

activities such as walking, swimming, or using

an exercise bike, elliptical, or stepper.

5. Use hot / cold therapy

on your affected areas to help relieve pain

and inflammation.

Despite self-treatment, over time you may

experience more and more difficulty walking

and performing everyday movements. If

your arthritis seems severe, visit your

doctor to see if you may need physical

therapy or surgery.

FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

For more information about treating and preventing arthritis from the experts at FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute, visit www.footsmart.com/Foot-Health-Resource-Center.