Tips from a Podiatrist Maroubra

If you ask any podiatrist, they will be happy to tell you that your feet are going to be your body’s prime real estate for catching arthritis. If you think about what the foot really consists of, that statement is actually very true. Each one of your feet is going to have 26 bones and an amazing 33 joints. That means that when combined, your feet are going to contain over 25 percent of all the bones that are in your entire body.

What that means is that when you get any type of arthritis in any of these 66 foot joints, it can cause some very massive problems for you when it comes to your regular daily life. On top of that, it can also cause some very serious permanent damage in the long run.

When it comes to your feet, osteoarthritis is going to be the most common type of foot arthritis that you will come across out of all the different types of foot arthritis. In fact, if you are having any type of foot pain, it is actually going to be a very important clue into whether or not you are actually suffering from foot arthritis I the first place.

Here is how you can use your feet as health clues from our friends at Orthotic Solutions Podiatry.

Be aware if your regular shoes do not fit comfortably anymore

When you are suffering from foot arthritis, it can cause your toes to start subtly changing their shape or even shift their position. While you may not notice that this is happening when you look at them, there is a good chance that it is going to change how your shoes will fit you. What this means is that if your regular shoes start to become uncomfortable, you are probably experiencing new pressure in new places. If you notice that this is the case, you should see your doctor as soon as you can.

Pay attention to calluses, especially on your big toe

The big toe is one of the very first joints of the foot that will start showing the symptoms of arthritis. If you start to experience a stiff big toe, you are going to know that there is a problem going on. All you need to do is to look for a ‘pinch’ callus that will be located on the inside of your big toe. If you see this, it is a very good sign that you are suffering from foot arthritis.

Sausage toes are never normal

While toes on babies that look like Vienna sausages are simply adorable, when you have them it is not a good thing. In fact, if your toes are not fairly thin and bony, you may be in trouble. When your toes start to swell up and look as though they should be in a hotdog bun, there is a good chance that you are suffering from what is known as dactylitis, which is a very common psoriatic arthritis symptom.

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure that you make a visit with your doctor as quickly as you are able too.