Our Favorite Tips for Preventing Arthritis in Your Feet

Did you know your feet and ankles have 33 joints and 28 bones? Your feet support your body weight in everything you do and are easy to take for granted unless they hurt. 

Approximately 24% of adults suffer from foot pain, some related to arthritis. Dr. Benjamin Clair at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, helps people find relief from painful arthritis in their feet and ankles. He’s a board-certified podiatrist who assesses the shape of your feet and any symptoms you have to help create a healthy arthritis prevention plan.

5 tips for preventing arthritis in your feet

There are over 100 types of arthritis, and roughly 53 million Americans suffer from this condition in one form or another. For example, osteoarthritis (OA) is common as you get older. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your joints, and it often starts with smaller joints like the ones in your foot. It’s helpful to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent painful swelling and chronic inflammation.

Wear supportive shoes 

When your footwear supports your foot shape, your feet feel better, and your joints are better supported. Quality, well-fitting shoes have arch support, shock absorption, cushioning, and heel cups. Fortunately, there are many stylish, yet comfortable, options available today. 

Maintain your healthy weight

Losing weight can reduce joint pain. Being overweight increases your risk for many health problems, including arthritis. Carrying extra pounds often means arthritis is more severe and strikes at a younger age. Additionally, extra weight increases inflammation throughout your body, which fuels painful joint pain like arthritis. 

Exercise 

Find ways to move more. This could mean starting with a stand-up desk with a thick mat under your feet or parking further away from the store so you get in a few extra steps when running errands. 

Ideally, you’ll work up to 150 minutes of low-impact aerobic activity a week. Even 5-10 minutes of movement is better than nothing. Activity keeps your joints moving, which can reduce stiffness. Plus, physical activity burns calories which can help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Choose healthy foods

Eating a healthy diet benefits your body from head to toe. Anti-inflammatory foods like berries, broccoli, leafy greens, and healthy omega-3 fats like salmon and mackerel can help reduce inflammation in your body. Lowering inflammation can help you prevent arthritis.

See a podiatrist

Dr. Clair assesses the shape of your feet and your gait for any signs of potential concerns. For example, biomechanical issues like fallen arches, high arches, or overpronation (inward foot rolling) can all contribute to pain in your feet, knees, and hips. 

Expert advice 

The joints in your feet and ankles support your entire body. When you maintain a healthy weight, get adequate exercise, and have a gait that evenly distributes your body weight, you reduce your likelihood of having foot pain or arthritis in your feet. 

Dr. Clair can evaluate your foot health and recommend ways to prevent arthritis. To schedule a consultation, call our office or request an appointment online today. We serve the areas of Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Celina, Texas.