Arthritis

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes damage in your joints, the places in your body where two bones meet. Some joints naturally wear down with age, and many people develop arthritis after that normal, lifelong wear and tear. Some types of arthritis happen after injuries, and certain health conditions can also cause it.

Each foot has 26 bones and more than 30 joints, and arthritis can affect any of them,  including the toes and ankles. These joints naturally wear down as you age, but injuries and certain health conditions can also accelerate the process.

While there is no cure for arthritis, a range of conservative treatments can help manage symptoms and support continued activity. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. With proper treatment, many people with arthritis are able to manage their pain, remain active, and lead fulfilling lives.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis in the Feet and Ankles

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or aching in the foot, ankle, or toe joints
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest
• Swelling around one or more joints
• Reduced range of motion in the foot or ankle
• Tenderness when pressing on affected joints
• A feeling of warmth around the joint
• Changes in the shape of the foot over time

It is worth visiting a healthcare provider if you are experiencing foot or ankle pain that is severe enough to affect your day-to-day routine, or if you feel like you cannot move or use your feet and ankles as well as usual.

Types of Arthritis That Affect the Feet

Several types of arthritis can cause pain in the feet and ankles, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis — sometimes called wear-and-tear arthritis — is the most common type. It usually causes changes over many years as cartilage gradually breaks down, causing bones to rub against each other.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joint. It usually happens in the same joint on both sides of the body and is one of the more serious forms of arthritis.

Gout Gout happens when there is a buildup of uric acid from the diet. It is most common in the big toe because it is the farthest body part from the heart.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis Post-traumatic arthritis happens after an injury, especially a dislocation or bone fracture and problems may not become apparent for years after the original injury.

How Orthotics May Help Arthritis

Orthotics redistribute weight and relieve pressure on sensitive areas of the feet, provide cushioning that reduces stress on the lower body, and can help correct gait and structural abnormalities. Research from Harvard Medical School notes that the best evidence of benefits with orthotics is for reducing foot pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis and lower extremity osteoarthritis.

Benefits may include:

Pressure Relief Wearing shoe inserts can help minimise pressure on the foot and decrease pain. If deformity is present, a shoe insert may help tilt the foot or ankle back into a straighter position, creating less pain in the joint.

Shock Absorption Orthopedic insoles help to evenly distribute weight to remove excess pressure from sensitive parts of the feet, and provide cushioning and support to reduce stress on the foot's many joints.

Improved Alignment Insoles with proper arch support can help correct gait abnormalities and support neutral alignment to reduce stress on the knees, hips, and back offering particular relief to those with osteoarthritis.

Footwear Support A supportive shoe combined with an orthotic can relieve pressure on the foot, and for people with severe flatfoot or stiff arthritic ankles, appropriate footwear support can in some cases help avoid more invasive intervention.

While orthotics are not a cure for arthritis and cannot reverse joint damage, they can form an important part of a conservative management plan alongside medication, physical therapy, and appropriate footwear.

Who May Benefit From Orthotics?

Orthotics may be suitable for people who:

• Experience foot or ankle pain linked to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Have joint stiffness that affects walking or daily activities
• Need additional cushioning to reduce pressure on sensitive joints
• Have developed foot changes such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes as a result of arthritis
• Want to reduce the load placed on affected joints during everyday movement
• Are managing arthritis symptoms as part of a broader conservative treatment plan

SOLE5 Orthotics for Arthritis

SOLE5 orthotics are designed to provide cushioning and structured support while fitting comfortably inside a wide range of footwear.

Key features include:

• Cushioning to reduce pressure on sensitive joints in the foot and ankle
• Arch support to improve foot alignment and reduce strain on the lower limb
• Shock absorption to minimise impact forces with each step
• Even pressure distribution across the foot
• Lightweight construction suitable for daily wear

Whether you're managing day-to-day foot discomfort or looking to support your joints during longer periods of activity, orthotics may help reduce the load associated with arthritis in the feet and ankles.

References

1. Mayo Clinic – Arthritis Overview
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
3. NHS – Arthritis
4. Cleveland Clinic – Foot and Ankle Arthritis