Foot Drop Excercise and Foot Arthitis

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.