Arthritis is a common condition that impacts your joints. It can cause symptoms that are debilitating and impact your quality of life. Pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving are all common among those who have arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Each requires prompt treatment from a foot and ankle doctor. Prevention is key to avoiding the unwanted symptoms associated with arthritis. Below, you will find helpful information on how to prevent arthritis in the foot and ankle.

How to Prevent Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle

Preventing arthritis can help you avoid so many unwanted issues. Arthritis in your foot and ankle can negatively impact your daily life. To ensure your foto health, consider the following tips on how to prevent arthritis.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways you can reduce your risk for arthritis in the future. Excess body weight puts pressure on your lower joints, especially in your feet and ankles. This can lead to arthritis and other unwanted symptoms, like pain and inflammation. Research has shown that people who lose weight experience reduced joint pain. Incorporate a balanced diet and low-impact exercise into your daily routine. If you cannot lose weight with a regular diet and exercise, consult with a medical professional for help.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Daily movement can put a lot of pressure on your feet and ankles. Wearing supportive footwear can help ease some of the pressure. Choose footwear that has cushion and arch support. These features ensure that your weight is distributed evenly. It can also reduce the stress on your joints. It can also reduce your risk of injury. Avoid heels, shoes that are pointed at the toes or flat. Shoes like that can exacerbate issues with your feet and lead to unwanted symptoms.

Regular Exercise and Stretching

A main part of managing your weight is getting regular exercise. It is important to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Spread it out between multiple days to ensure consistency. Small habits over time can reap major rewards for your health and fitness. Regular exercise can also reduce your risk for arthritis. Exercise helps keep your joints flexible and the surrounding muscles strong. In addition to movement, incorporate stretching into your routine. Research has shown that regular stretching promotes flexibility. This reduces your risk for joint degeneration over time.

Avoid Repetition

Repetitive motions can lead to chronic stress on your joints, especially in your feet. Chronic stress on your joints can wear down the joint cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis. This is often caused by workplace conditions or high-impact exercise. If possible, see if your workplace can make accommodations for your health. Alternatively, avoid the same high-impact exercises back to back. Alternate between activities to give your joints a rest. If you notice any pain or other arthritis-related symptoms due to repetition, consult with a podiatrist right away.

Address Injuries Promptly

If you notice any issues with your feet, seek medical attention right away. A foot and ankle doctor can properly diagnose the issue. Some of the common diagnostic methods include an MRI, CT scans, a physical exam, and an inventory of your symptoms. From there, they can create a customized rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan. This will reduce your symptoms to improve your quality of life. Regular visits to the podiatrist can ensure you stay on track with your treatment plan.

Foot and Ankle Doctor

If you experience any symptoms related to arthritis, contact the team at Jamfeet today to schedule an appointment!