I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 52.5 million Americans are living with the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. If you are experiencing the symptoms of arthritis in your feet, you know how difficult it can be to perform simple, everyday tasks. Don't spend another day living with the pain, swelling and agony associated with arthritis of the feet and instead, here are a few simple tips that will help you find relief:
Picking the Right Shoes is Key
If you have arthritis symptoms in your feet, ankles and knees, wearing the correct shoes can mean the difference between enjoying a daily walk in the park or sitting at home watching the world pass you by. Purchasing the wrong kind of shoes, including those that are ill-fitting or feature an extremely high heel, can actually make your arthritis pain worse.
The next time you shop for shoes, keep these simple tips in mind:
Choose shoes that feature a thicker sole. These cushioned soles will provide you with more support, which in turn helps lessen the pain associated with arthritis.
Pick shoes that allow you room to wiggle your feet a little – especially your toes. Tight, ill-fitting shoes can place extra pressure on your joints, which will make your arthritis symptoms even worse.
If you are planning to wear high heels, Arthritis Health recommends choosing a pair of shoes that features rubber soles and a heel that is wider and no higher than 2-inches tall.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for a Massage
Even if you stay off your feet as much as possible and wear the ideal shoes, there will still be days when your arthritis symptoms will be difficult to handle. If this is the case, consider a foot massage. According to the Arthritis Foundation, having your feet massaged by a professional massage therapist, a healthcare provider or even your own hands can greatly reduce the pain associated with arthritis.
To massage your own feet, begin by sitting in a comfortable chair. Relax and apply direct heat to your feet before you begin the massage. The heat can help relax your muscles, which will make the massage even more enjoyable.
Use gentle, short strokes to eliminate any pain. Working massage oil or lotion into your feet can be relaxing, but it's okay to skip this step if you don't like the feeling of oils or lotion on your feet.
Massaging your feet every day before you go to bed can help ease the pain associated with arthritis in your feet.
Is it Time for Surgery?
If you've tried wearing the right shoes, foot massage, orthotics, physical therapy and over-the-counter or prescription medications and are still having trouble finding relief, it may be time to speak with your doctor about surgery.
Depending on your symptoms and the type and severity of your arthritis, there are several options available. For example, if you are in the early stages of arthritis, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic debridement. During this procedure, which is minimally invasive and involves the use of small camera called an arthroscope, your surgeon will remove any tissue, bone spurs or other damaged cartilage, which can help you find relief.
In more advanced cases of arthritis, a complete ankle replacement may be necessary in order to find relief. Not only can this procedure lessen pain, it can also improve mobility, flexibility and your quality of life.
Arthritis foot pain is a common problem that impacts millions of Americans. If you're in this group and are looking for relief, there are many options available. The best place to start is by contacting your doctor or a clinic like Advanced Foot & Ankle Center of Palatine.
Share28 December 2015
