Arthritis is a common disease that can affect the joints, skin and various internal organs of the body. Although, often thought to be a disease for the elderly, the majority of the 4.5 million Canadians currently living with arthritis are under 65 years old.

When arthritis affects the feet, a consultation with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist – C. Ped (C) – can be helpful. Canadian Certified Pedorthists help patients retain and enhance mobility through proper footcare, suitable footwear selections and/or custom-made foot orthotics, if appropriate.

Pedorthic Pointers for Patients

To alleviate the pain caused by arthritis, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend selecting footwear featuring:

• Rigid rocker soles (the curve at the toe area of a shoe) to decrease stress on the ball of the foot and provide a more efficient push-off
• Soft leather uppers or materials that will mold around deformities or sensitive areas
• Wide, deep, square toe-boxes with no seams over hammer toes or other sensitive areas to avoid pressure on painful joints
• Velcro closures or elastic laces to eliminate the need to lace up a shoe, if fine dexterity in the fingers is difficult
• Heels lower than 1″ or 2.5 cm or avoiding high heels

If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should talk to your doctor or book an appointment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist for pedorthic management including orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection guidance and orthotics.