When you have arthritis, your feet need lots of TLC. Taking good care of your feet can prevent problems before they start. Family Foot & 
Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Clinton, Kensington and Silver Spring, MD, provides state-of-the-art foot care to their patients. Here are five foot and ankle care tips for people with arthritis.
1. Pick the Right Shoes
Wearing comfortable, supportive footwear is key. Your shoes should be wide enough so that they don't press on any calluses or bunions.
2. Stretch Your Feet
Stretching your feet can help increase your flexibility and mobility, which is important when you have arthritis. Good exercises involve stretching your Achilles tendon and the tendons in the balls of your feet and toes. Just don’t overdo it. Stretching is good to help joint mobility, but don’t do it to the point where you’re hurting yourself.
3. Massage Your Feet
Who doesn't love a foot massage? Massaging your feet may provide arthritis relief. Knead the balls of your feet and toes, starting at the top and working your way down to the bottom. You can do it yourself or ask your significant other to help you.
4. See Your Podiatrist
Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet, it's important to see a podiatrist if any of the following symptoms occur in the feet: Swelling in one or more joints, redness or heat in a joint, or recurring pain or tenderness in any joint. If you have foot arthritis, have your feet checked by your podiatrist at least once a year.
5. Use Orthotic Devices
Orthotic devices can provide arthritis relief. You can get custom-made arch supports and shoe inserts from your Olney, Clinton, Kensington or Silver Spring podiatrist. Orthotic devices can correct misalignments and distribute your weight more evenly over the bottom of your feet.
Your feet deserve a little more attention than you’re probably giving them. Call Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland to schedule an appointment in Olney, Clinton, Kensington or Silver Spring, MD. Get your life back on track by receiving the best treatment available.