Living with Arthritis? Don’t Forget Your Feet
Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions among seniors in Canada, and it doesn’t just affect your knees or hands—it can also make your feet sore, stiff, and swollen. With 26 bones and 33 joints in each foot, it’s no surprise that arthritis can be a real pain (literally!) when it comes to staying mobile.
At Becky’s Medical Foot Care in Ottawa, many of our clients come to us looking for ways to ease arthritis pain in their feet. The good news? With the right care, footwear, and support, you can stay active and comfortable.
⚠️ How Arthritis Affects the Feet
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. In the feet, this can lead to:
Painful, swollen joints
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities over time
Arthritis doesn’t just cause pain—it can also change the shape of your feet, making it harder to find shoes that fit properly.
👟 Choosing Shoes That Support Arthritic Feet
The right shoes can make a world of difference. Here’s what to look for if you live with arthritis:
Wide Toe Boxes: Prevents crowding and pressure on sore joints.
Rocker Soles: Specially designed soles that reduce stress on the ball of the foot.
Low Heels: Keep them under 1.5 inches for better balance and less strain.
Adjustable Closures: Laces or Velcro straps allow for flexibility when feet swell.
👉 Many of our Ottawa clients with arthritis find that walking shoes or orthopedic shoes provide the best support for daily comfort.
🧦 Little Things That Help
Small changes in your daily routine can reduce pain and keep your feet healthier:
Moisturize dry skin to prevent cracks and irritation.
Wear supportive socks that cushion joints without restricting circulation.
Use warm foot soaks (not too hot) to ease stiffness, followed by gentle stretching.
🧘 Foot-Friendly Exercises
Keeping your joints moving helps reduce stiffness. Try these simple arthritis-friendly exercises:
Toe Stretches: Spread your toes apart and hold for 5 seconds.
Ankle Circles: Rotate your ankles slowly in both directions.
Toe Flex & Point: Point toes forward, then pull them back toward your nose.
These gentle movements improve flexibility and circulation without putting too much stress on the joints.
👩⚕️ How a Foot Care Nurse Can Help
Professional foot care can make arthritis management easier. During a visit, a foot care nurse in Ottawa can:
Trim nails safely (reducing risk of ingrown toenails).
Smooth calluses that can make walking painful.
Suggest footwear or orthotics tailored to your needs.
Monitor changes in your feet that might need medical attention.
Many clients appreciate in-home visits, which save them the discomfort of traveling when their joints are sore.
✅ When to Talk to Your Doctor
Don’t ignore arthritis pain that interferes with your daily life. Contact your doctor if you notice:
Severe swelling or redness
Sudden changes in foot shape
Pain that limits your ability to walk
Sores or pressure spots that don’t heal
Your doctor may suggest medications, physical therapy, or custom orthotics to ease your symptoms.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love. By combining daily self-care, supportive shoes, gentle exercise, and professional foot care, you can stay active and independent.
At Becky’s Medical Foot Care, we help Ottawa seniors manage arthritis with compassionate, professional foot care—both in-home and at our clinic.
🦴 Remember: caring for your feet is caring for your mobility. And when your feet feel better, you feel better too!
