Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a condition that can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, and is what's known as an auto-immune condition. This means that the immune system gets confused and starts to attack your bodies healthy tissues. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the main way it does this is with inflammation in your joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects around 400,000 adults aged 16 and over in the UK. It can affect anyone of any age, so early diagnosis and preventative measures are important.
What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Researchers aren't sure why people develop Rheumatoid Arthritis. They believe that individuals may have certain genes that are activated by a trigger in the environment such as physical or emotional stress. Possible causes include;
- Hormones: RA is more common in women than men
- Smoking: Evidence suggests smokers are at higher risk
- Age: RA is most common in middle aged individuals
What treatment can I try if I have Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Although there is no cure for RA, early treatment can reduce the risk of joint damage and limit the impact of the condition. The main treatment options for Rheumatoid Arthritis include;
- Shoes with good arch support will help distribute the weight evenly
- Special inserts called orthotics may help alleviate foot pain
- Wearing shoes with a roomy toe box and adjustable fastenings
- Supportive treatments such as physiotherapy
What should I avoid if I have Rheumatoid Arthritis?
You already have pain and don't want to aggravate it further, so it's important to try and manage your symptoms. To help you manage your symptoms quickly and painlessly, we would try to avoid;
- Wearing narrow or pointy-toed shoes
- Overdoing activities - recognise your physical limit
- Wearing heeled shoes which put pressure on your foot
What shoes would we recommend?
Our expert advice would be to visit your local shoe shop where they can professionally measure your feet. See if there's a Charles Clinkard near you here.
We would suggest shoes with;
- Good arch support and cushioning
- A strap, or that can be tied for a secure fit
- No or low heels, no higher than 1cm