Treating foot arthritis pain
Did you know that an estimated 54 million US adults have been diagnosed with arthritis—and that isn’t including those who suffer from the condition but have not been diagnosed? That means that millions of Americans suffer every day from the physical pain, restrictions in mobility and activity, and financial drain of this common condition.
Do I have arthritis?
If you’ve noticed a change in how you move or how your body feels, you’ve probably asked yourself this question—but self-diagnosis can be tricky. It’s important to communicate with your physician and let them know when new symptoms arise so you can get a proper diagnosis of your condition.
That being said, there are a few common symptoms that may indicate you have arthritis:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and redness around impacted joints
- A decrease in range of motion
- Difficulties moving around or participating in your normal activities
What causes arthritis?
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the normal wear and tear of your joints over the years begin to damage cartilage and allow your bones to grind against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis results when your immune system begins attacking the lining of your joint, leading to painful inflammation and swelling. Eventually, it can harm the cartilage and bone of the joint.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing arthritis during your life, including:
- Your genes and family history. If close family members have arthritis, you may be more susceptible—and your genetics may make you more sensitive to factors that can trigger the condition.
- Your gender. Unfortunately, women are much more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis than men.
- How old you are. While arthritis can occur earlier in life, those that are most susceptible to developing it are those in the 65+ age group.
- Your weight. Because carrying around extra weight puts additional stress on your joints, being overweight can increase your risk of developing painful symptoms of arthritis.
- Previous injuries. If you have injured a joint in the past during sports or as the result of an accident, that joint has a much higher likelihood of developing arthritis.
Can foot taping help arthritis pain?
While your doctor is the best person to suggest a treatment plan, many arthritis sufferers have experienced relief in joint pain after using QUICK TAPE® support straps. By taking pressure off of the joint, supporting and aligning the foot, and reducing swelling, foot taping with QUICK TAPE® helps you avoid adding additional stress while allowing the joint to rest and inflammation to subdue.
Our customers with arthritis report that QUICK TAPE® support straps are an easy-to-use option that has allowed them to move around more comfortably and has reduced discomfort in the foot and ankle. If you’d like to know more or are ready to try something new so you can get back to enjoying your life to the fullest, contact us today or check out our online store!