5 Ways to Relieve Lower Body Arthritis
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Transcript of 5 Ways to Relieve Lower Body Arthritis
FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
5 Ways to Relieve Lower Body Arthritis
LOWER BODY ARTHRITIS
If you’re over 50, there's a good chance you
suffer from some sort of arthritis in your feet,
knees, hips, or lower back.
Arthritis inflames your joints. Since your feet
have 33 separate joints that help you stand,
walk, and run, your feet are particularly
susceptible to developing arthritis.
Many options exist for treating arthritis, but
they all share the same goal—controlling
inflammation.
Here are 5 ways to relieve lower body
arthritis, recommended by the experts at
FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute.
1. Wear shoes with good all-around support
and cushioning to reduce shock and impact
on your joints.
Also seek out shoes with:• High, wide toe boxes, especially if you
have misshapen toes.• Rocker bottom soles, to make walking
easier and reduce stress on the ball of
your foot.
2. Use other supports to reduce stress
to reduce stress on your joints, such as
• Removable insoles or other shoe orthotics
• Foot, ankle or knee supports
• Toe straighteners and protectors
3. Use medicationsto find relief
such as anti-inflammatory creams, analgesics,
or other topical treatments.
Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory
medications can also help. You may want to
try over-the-counter glucosamine and
chondroitin supplements, which have been
reported to improve joint health.
4. Exercise!
Arthritis doesn’t mean you should stop
exercising. Especially consider low-impact
activities such as walking, swimming, or using
an exercise bike, elliptical, or stepper.
5. Use hot / cold therapy
on your affected areas to help relieve pain
and inflammation.
Despite self-treatment, over time you may
experience more and more difficulty walking
and performing everyday movements. If
your arthritis seems severe, visit your
doctor to see if you may need physical
therapy or surgery.
FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
For more information about treating and preventing arthritis from the experts at FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute, visit www.footsmart.com/Foot-Health-Resource-Center.