Foot Drop and Foot Arthritis
Gail Parkhurst
Approximately 70 million North Americans suffer from some form
of arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of
arthritis. But when most people talk about about it, they are
usually referring to the most common form, osteoarthritis
("oster" means bone). With a Foot Drop development, however, you
can become more prone to developing some form arthritis,
increasing inflammation, swelling and pain in the joint.
If you have Foot Drop, walking becomes a challenge due to the
patient's inability to control the foot at the ankle. The foot
may appear floppy and the patient may drag the foot and toes
while walking. Patients with foot drop usually exhibit an
exaggerated or high-stepping walk called Steppage Gait or
Footdrop Gait. This movement can put extra stress on other parts
of the body like the hips and back. If left unsupported, can
lead to further injury to the back, hips and knees and set the
stage for arthritis to set in. Each time you plant your foot on
a surface, you deliver a force throughout your body equal to two
and one half times your weight.
The osteoarthritis condition may develop along the spine, or in
the knees applying more stress to the palm of the foot. When
exercising, it is better to not run or walk on concrete, but
choose a dirt path for your long daily exercise regime. Grassy
surface is ideal if there is no uneven surfaces or hidden small
holes, as that is hard on the feet, knees and back.
Choose a footwear that gives you support on the sides as
well as the toe base. Add
Foot-Up for further support.
Arthritis in the hips, knees and lower back can develop from
inadequate shoes, as fallen arches, pronated or deformed toes.
You may need to see a Podiatrist. Arthritis can also occur if
you have misalignment of the arches and foot joints and this can
cause structural imbalances leading to further pain and stress
on foot ligaments.
If you tend to overdo your exercise regime, or walking habits
muscles and ligaments become tense. The joints are strained
creating microtrauma. The metabolism of the cartilage is
negatively affected. Moreover, the excess can cause small
capillaries to become ruptured, particularly it he area where
ligaments attach to the joints. If many capillaries are involved
significant discomfort may arise. But if the tissue is subjected
to routine punishment, scar tissue will develop. Scar tissue
leads to calcium formation, and this can pave the way for
degenerative changes ,bone spurs and arthritis. With careful
exercise and support, healing can take place to strengthen the
movement of the whole leg , ankle and foot. Using a
Foot Up will help the healing by keeping the foot at the
proper angle, while taking stress off the knee and back.
About the author:
Gail Parkhurst is a Herbalist and Health Consultant who has
written many articles on a diverse range of holistic health
topics. As a partner of
Braces.com, she has done extensive research on joint health.
Gail can be reached through the web-site or at
gailpark@telus.net
Approximately 70 million North Americans suffer from some form
of arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of
arthritis. But when most people talk about about it, they are
usually referring to the most common form, osteoarthritis
("oster" means bone). With a Foot Drop development, however, you
can become more prone to developing some form arthritis,
increasing inflammation, swelling and pain in the joint.
If you have Foot Drop, walking becomes a challenge due to the
patient's inability to control the foot at the ankle. The foot
may appear floppy and the patient may drag the foot and toes
while walking. Patients with foot drop usually exhibit an
exaggerated or high-stepping walk called Steppage Gait or
Footdrop Gait. This movement can put extra stress on other parts
of the body like the hips and back. If left unsupported, can
lead to further injury to the back, hips and knees and set the
stage for arthritis to set in. Each time you plant your foot on
a surface, you deliver a force throughout your body equal to two
and one half times your weight.
The osteoarthritis condition may develop along the spine, or in
the knees applying more stress to the palm of the foot. When
exercising, it is better to not run or walk on concrete, but
choose a dirt path for your long daily exercise regime. Grassy
surface is ideal if there is no uneven surfaces or hidden small
holes, as that is hard on the feet, knees and back.
well as the toe base.
Foot-Up for further support.
Arthritis in the hips, knees and lower back can develop from
inadequate shoes, as fallen arches, pronated or deformed toes.
You may need to see a Podiatrist. Arthritis can also occur if
you have misalignment of the arches and foot joints and this can
cause structural imbalances leading to further pain and stress
on foot ligaments.
If you tend to overdo your exercise regime, or walking habits
muscles and ligaments become tense. The joints are strained
creating microtrauma. The metabolism of the cartilage is
negatively affected. Moreover, the excess can cause small
capillaries to become ruptured, particularly it he area where
ligaments attach to the joints. If many capillaries are involved
significant discomfort may arise. But if the tissue is subjected
to routine punishment, scar tissue will develop. Scar tissue
leads to calcium formation, and this can pave the way for
degenerative changes ,bone spurs and arthritis. With careful
exercise and support, healing can take place to strengthen the
movement of the whole leg , ankle and foot. Using a
Foot Up will help the healing by keeping the foot at the
proper angle, while taking stress off the knee and back.
About the author:
Gail Parkhurst is a Herbalist and Health Consultant who has
written many articles on a diverse range of holistic health
topics. As a partner of
Braces.com, she has done extensive research on joint health.
Gail can be reached through the web-site or at
gailpark@telus.net
posted by The Editor at
5:39 AM
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