5 Ways to Manage Toe Arthritis

Arthritis impacts about a quarter of all adults — that’s over 58 million people. And though there are over 100 different types of arthritis, they all result in painful, swollen, damaged joints.

What’s worse is that this disease can attack virtually any joint in your body, including your toes, which can make even the smallest step agonizing.

That’s where podiatry and alternative medicine expert Dr. Maurice Aiken comes in.

At Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, we know how debilitating arthritic toes can be. Here, we share our five best strategies for managing this painful condition.

#1: Lose extra weight

Your feet bear the brunt of your body weight, which means your toes are under near-constant stress. Toes plagued with arthritis have an even harder task, so, if you’re carrying extra weight, you can take steps to lose it.

As the weight comes off, your toes experience less stress, and you find it easier to manage arthritis symptoms. We can help you find the right weight-loss strategies that fit your lifestyle.

#2: Invest in custom orthotics

In addition to losing weight, you can further support your arthritic toes by investing in a pair of custom orthotics. These are devices that slide into your shoe and give your entire foot additional cushioning and support. We design orthotics to fit the exact specifications of your foot.

#3: Tweak your activities

Whether you’re an avid gym-goer or you just enjoy the occasional stroll around the neighborhood, arthritis means it’s time to evaluate your movements.

It’s best to avoid high-impact activities that put your toes through added stress. Try swimming or using an elliptical machine instead of running on cement or a treadmill.

We also encourage you to do gentle exercises that target your toes. Yoga is a great way to not only get a full-body workout but also to stretch and loosen the joints in your toes.

#4: Evaluate your footwear

Now is not the time to pick your shoes based on brand, price, or style. Arthritic toes demand comfortable, supportive, properly fitting shoes, and we can help you find them.

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes or flat shoes that have no arch. It’s also a good idea to replace your shoes often to avoid undue stress on your toes.

#5: Get the right treatment

Bar none, the best thing you can do for arthritic toes is get treatment from a specialist. We offer a variety of conservative, minimally invasive treatments, including:

Dr. Aiken also offers support and guidance on how to manage your arthritis at home and make the necessary lifestyle changes to keep your symptoms at bay.

If your arthritis is severe, or if it doesn’t respond to conservative methods, Dr. Aiken may recommend surgery.

Take your first steps toward arthritis relief — call us at 787-285-9686 or request an appointment online at our Dunedin, Florida, office today.