ARTHRITIS

ANTALGIC GAIT

While the effects of arthritis vary greatly from person to person, depending upon which joints are affected and how progressed the arthritis has become, many people experience problems fitting into shoes comfortably.

The complications of arthritis include compromised gait, often resulting in poor balance. For many people, swelling adds to the problem of finding footwear that works all day long. And if arthritis wasn't enough, the natural degeneration of the structure of the foot over time presents its own unique challenges to all of us as we age.

The good news is that footwear can often be selected or made to support more comfortable walking. If you've tried lots of shoes and are still experiencing pain, working with a talented pedorthist can provide a much more targeted approach to a complex problem.

PEDORTHICS FOR ARTHRITIS

Pedorthics is a non-invasive, conservative modality specialized in therapeutic footwear, which can be applied or discontinued, re-evaluated, and adjusted, at anytime. The following pedorthic goods and services can be useful to accommodate arthritic conditions:

1. Off-the-shelf or custom shoes to accomodate bony prominences or peak pressures

2. Custom foot orthotics specifically designed to offload painful arthritic conditions.

3. Orthopedic modifications can be made to existing shoes to assist in smooth walking.

 
Boston Pedorthic is a by-appointment treatment-oriented pedorthic facility, accredited by the Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosethetics and Pedorthics.

RELIEF FROM ARTHRITIS

Some patients respond to pedorthic therapy immediately, seeing substantial improvement with reduction of pain and a resumption of tolerating their desired activities. For those with progressed arthritis present in multiple joints, the pain may seem to "move". Adjustments in footwear can have a positive effect in one area, to the detriment of another area, and must be handled skillfully.

Other circumstances require a phased approach to managing the discomfort by applying strategies one at a time and then allowing time to monitor the results be their satisfaction or not, requiring further adjustment to the pedorthic treatment plan.

Most people naturally experience more foot pain as they age. The foot is a complex mechanism, designed to bear weight, while propelling us in walking gait. Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, excessive hyper mobile pronation or supination contribute to the challenge of finding comfortable footwear that improves quality of life on one's feet. T

In our clinical experience at Boston Pedorthic, we have witnessed many cases of arthritis resolve to the satisfaction of the patient suffering from chronic, daily, arthritis pain.