Orthotics for Osteoarthritis: Invaluable Tips
& All You Need to Know
Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in America, with more than 50 million people suffering from it. The health condition affects your joints and the muscles and other tissues surrounding them. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints, making everyday tasks like walking or using utensils difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways you can manage without relying on medication alone with the help of orthotics for osteoarthritis!
Here Are Seven Tips for Managing Arthritis Through Orthotics (Shoe Inserts):
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Talk To Your Doctor About Orthotics
If you have arthritis, it is important to talk to your doctor about using orthotics to manage the condition. Orthotics are shoe inserts that can help improve your mobility and reduce pain and swelling in your joints. Many different orthotics are available on the market, so it is important to find a pair that will work well with your specific condition.
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Choose the Right Type of Orthotics
Not all orthotics are created equal! When choosing a pair of orthotics, it is important to consider the severity of your arthritis and what activities you will be using them for. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may need prescription orthotics specifically tailored to your needs. On the other hand, if your arthritis is mild, you may be able to get away with arch support orthotics or a more general-purpose pair of orthotics.
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Wear Your Orthotics All the Time
Orthotics are most effective when they are worn all the time. This may be difficult for some people, especially if their job requires them to be on their feet all day. However, it is important to make every effort to wear your orthotics as much as possible to get the most benefit from them.
If you cannot wear your orthotics all the time, try to wear them, at least when you are doing activities that aggravate your arthritis. This includes tasks like gardening, hiking, or even walking around the grocery store.
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Keep the Inside of Your Shoes Clean
It is important to keep the insides of your shoes as dry and clean as possible. The less moisture there is, the fewer problems you will have with odor caused by bacteria growth or foot fungus over time. Regular shoe maintenance can reduce these issues substantially!
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Make Sure Your Orthotics Fit Well
If you do not have a professional measurement taken and the right pair of orthotics prescribed to you, they may be too small or large for your feet. This can lead to pain and slipping out of the shoe insert when walking. Therefore, it is important to get properly measured, so there is no guesswork involved in the fit of your orthotics.
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Warm-Up Before Exercising
If you like to exercise, it is important to warm up your muscles and joints before starting. This will help prevent pain and stiffness during or after your workout. A good way to do this is by using a heating pad on your sore muscles for about ten minutes before beginning your routine.
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Be Careful With Your Feet
The last thing you want to do is aggravate the condition by injuring yourself further. It would help if you were very cautious about stepping on a rock or stubbing your toes, as this can cause severe pain and swelling in your joints. It is best to avoid these situations altogether!
In conclusion, orthotics are a great way to manage arthritis and improve your quality of life. By following these tips, you can make sure you get the most out of your orthotics and live as comfortably as possible with arthritis.
