You may not know this, but “arthritis” doesn’t just refer to one disease. It’s a name that covers over 100 Joint diseases and disorders. With 33 joints in each of your feet, we at Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut want to offer some tips on preventing joint problems.

According to the National Foundation for Arthritis, over 50 million adults and 300,000 children and teens in our country are afflicted with arthritis. It’s actually the number one cause of disability in the U.S. There are a number of factors that increase your risk of arthritis as well as ways that you can help prevent it:

Factors you can’t control: genetics–arthritis can be hereditary, sex—women are more likely than men to develop arthritis, aging

Factors you can control: many of the most common forms of arthritis are the result of “wear and tear” on your joints. There are a number of steps you can take to maximize joint health including:

• Stay active—Exercise and movement helps joints stay flexible. It also increases the strength of the muscles that support your joints. It’s a good idea to vary your fitness activities and not overuse the same joints. Have rest days between sports activities.
• Watch what you eat—did you know that there are foods that actually fight inflammation? Omega 3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel and walnut oil and antioxidants and vitamins found in tea, and certain fruits and vegetables can all help reduce inflammation and create stronger joints. (For a list of joint-healthy foods, go to: http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/).
• Invest in good footwear—your choice of shoes can go a long way towards protecting your joints. Having good ankle and arch support keeps joints stable, as does having shoes that fit securely.
• Don’t ignore pain—arthritis is more likely to set in to joints that have had a previous injury. Making sure injuries are healed correctly and completely can lessen your risk of arthritic issues later. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any of the joints of your toes, feet or ankles, make an appointment to see our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Harris Greenberger. Whether its arthritis or another foot or ankle problem, getting treatment early on can greatly increase the chances of avoiding permanent joint damage and disability.

Contact our Norwalk office by calling 203-866-7686 if you have additional questions about arthritis and your feet.

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