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Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "

Case study ( 7038 views as of November 21, 2024 )

Joan is a 62-year-old woman who has recently retired. She has had a lot of pain in her foot, especially the big toes. Joan wants to travel to Europe and do some hiking, but feels she is going to have problems. A specialist tells her that she has osteoarthritis and recommends that she gets orthotics and to avoid surgery. Joan is not sure who she should see and how much these orthotics will cost.

Joan could benefit her condition by seeing a rheumatologist regarding the osteoarthritis. An orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon and/or podiatrist will be able to give her information regarding the orthotics. Her doctor may also refer Joan to a physiotherapist to design a plan to maintain her mobility. Finally, a dietitian could provide Joan with a meal plan; eating the right foods can help ease arthritis inflammation.

Author: Dr. John Wade

Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "

Case Introduction

Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms and Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Presented by

Dr. John Watterson

MD, FRCPC

Rheumatologist

Osteoporosis Risk Factors & Treatment Options

Osteoporosis Risk Factors & Treatment Options ( 62 engaged.)

Open and print the educational action plan for conversation with your Healthcare provider.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors & Treatment Options

Treatments

Foot Orthotics for Osteoarthritis of the Feet

Practitioner help from:

Dr. Howard Green

B.Sc, D.P.M.

Podiatrist
Home Equipment You Can Use to Help Improve Osteoarthritis of the Feet

Practitioner help from:

Mark Pierce

Physiotherapist
Making Appropriate Lifestyle Changes With Osteoarthritis

Practitioner help from:

Dr. John Watterson

MD, FRCPC

Rheumatologist

Treatments

How Physiotherapy Can Help When You Are Suffering From Osteoarthritis

Practitioner help from:

Mark Pierce

Physiotherapist
Tips For Managing Foot Osteoarthritis

Practitioner help from:

Dr. John Watterson

MD, FRCPC

Rheumatologist
Is Surgery An Option When Suffering From Osteoarthritis of the Feet?

Practitioner help from:

Dr. Ralph Lapp

Orthopaedic Surgeon

20

Conversation based on: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "

Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "

K. Michael 31 August 2015

Are women more at risk of developing osteoarthritis of the feet due to wearing heels ?

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
K. Michael 29 June 2015

I think that the suggestion for orthotics to help with the pain from her osteoarthritis is a good one but she should also make sure she is using them with a really good walking shoe. If she plans to hike it is especially important to get the proper footwear.

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 15 April 2015

I have been wearing orthotics since 1980 for length discrepancy and high arches. I think they are great with the amount of pavement we spend time on .

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
Dr. Crysta Serne BSc(Kin), DC Chiropractor, Vancouver, BC 25 March 2015 Vitality Clinic, Downtown, Vancouver, BC

@healthymama each Practitioner may have their own way of doing an analysis but I incorporate 3 components when doing mine. A static analysis (standing posture), walking up and down a corridor multiple times, and a prone (face down) assessment. I personally don't like the use of any machinery as I find the patient alters their gait slightly when stepping on the machine.

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- K. Michael 15 April 2015
  
  This is very interesting. I have flat feet and my chiropractor did a similar assessment before suggesting I get orthotics. Orthotics have been very helpful in preventing pain my lower back and knees from my flat feet
Dr. Crysta Serne BSc(Kin), DC Chiropractor, Vancouver, BC 21 March 2015 Vitality Clinic, Downtown, Vancouver, BC

Having pain in the big toes can be a sign improper gait (walk) biomechanics. Having orthotics may help reduce the symptoms but I am more inclined to see if we can determine the cause of the joint pain and correct it to the best of our abilities. My advice would be for her to seek out a health care practitioner such as a Chiropractor to have a gait analysis. My next step would be to ensure she is using her lower body muscles and joints effectively and efficiently.

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- K. Michael 06 August 2015
  
  If it was determined that an issue with her gait was contributing to her foot pain, what could be done to help ?
- Healthymama 25 March 2015
  
  Is gait analysis just done by observing or is it done on a machine of some sort?
Bernadette van der Boom-Bebb 04 February 2015

She should consider seeing a nutritionist as well who can provide a diet that reduces the amount of inflammation.

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- K. Michael 20 July 2015
  
  Adding healthy foods like nuts and removing higher fat foods like red meat can help. A dietitian or nutritionist would be able to suggest more
- ShirleyG 02 March 2015
  
  What in a diet can help reduce inflammation ?
ShirleyG 30 January 2015

Does Osteoarthritis cause curling of the hand or is that more a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis ?

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- AllieS 17 September 2015
  
  Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the lining of joints is targeted by the immune system for attack, causing inflammation. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, occurs when regular stress is placed on the joint and the cartilage that 'cushions' bones against each other is broken down. Osteoarthritic pain is due to the rubbing of bones since there is no more cushion, versus the inflammatory pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
- ShirleyG 09 March 2015
  
  What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis ?
- K. Michael 08 March 2015
  
  I believe thats rheumatoid arthritis. I know that is a more debilitating version of the disease
K. Michael 10 December 2014

Orthotics vary in price depending on type and where you purchase them from. Some physiotherapists can help in choosing the correct orthotic

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- Dr. Crysta Serne BSc(Kin), DC Chiropractor, Vancouver, BC 25 March 2015 Vitality Clinic, Downtown, Vancouver, BC
  
  @healthymama orthotics can be a very necessary and important tool in establishing proper foot biomechanics, as well as reducing low back pain and leg length inequalities. When I am developing a treatment plan for a patient, orthotics are always the very last step as I want to see what the body is capable of before having to resort to them. Based on the cost of them, I feel both the practitioner and patient should be doing their due diligence before having them casted.
- Healthymama 25 March 2015
  
  Orthotics can be a bit of a scam can't it?
Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 December 2014

My mothers doctor told her that if she has fractures in her foot it is not un similar to some people who have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Reply to: Osteoarthritis of the Feet " Joan a 62-year-old woman with pain in her foot "
- K. Michael 23 December 2014
  
  That is interesting. It's curious that she has significant pain in her big toe. I wonder if she has gout

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