Arthritis

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is typically from the wear and tear of life. The misalignment of joints, especially of the foot and ankle is our primary concern. Arthritis can cause pain in varying degrees, bony protrusions (exotosis), and manifestations unique to every foot. Often referred to as DJD, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of the cartilage of the joints. The cartilage can degenerate in several ways: by flaking or forming crevasses. Advanced cases usually have a total loss of the cartilage, causing pain and limited range of motion. Sometimes spurs (bony growths) form around the joints.

Osteoarthritis affects the large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, as well as the spine, hands, and especially the feet. We have witnessed the misalignment of the feet affecting ankles, knees, hips, and backs. Flat feet are especially prevalent and Comfort Shoe Specialists of St. Louis have developed effective solutions for acquired flat foot. We are the “Flat Foot Experts of St. Louis.”

Schedule An Appointment

Hallux Limitus and Hallux Rigidus are forms of osteoarthritis generally caused from injury and overuse in poor fitting footwear. Comfort Shoe Specialists of St. Louis has developed orthotic designs for walking, casual, running, and dress footwear.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes stiffness, swelling, loss of function in the joints, and pain. RA differs because the immune system attacks a person’s own cells inside the joint capsule. The synovium of the joints is attacked, causing synovitis. Synoviis manifests as abnormally warm, swelling, and painful joints. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, the abnormal synovial cells invade and destroy cartilage and bone, causing the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons to de-stabilizing joints to the point that they become weak and unable to function normally. Unlike Osteoarthritis which can be unilateral, Rheumatoid Arthritis is generally symmetrical, occurring on both sides. About 25% of afflicted individuals develop rheumatoid nodules, bumps under the skin that often form close to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis varies greatly in severity. Psoriatic Arthritis involves the skin as well as joint disease. Usually asymmetrical involvement of the joints of the foot and ankle, psoriatic arthritis cause painful, red, hot, and swollen joints, commonly worse in the mornings. Usually the toes are most effected, causing entire toes to appear swollen like small sausages. Comfort Shoe Specialists of St. Louis offers these Pedorthic Solutions For Arthritis
  • Properly fitting footwear: off the shelf such as Finn Comfort, Dunham, New Balance, Drew, Aetrex, Soft Spot, PW Minor, Aravon, and Kumfs Ziera are possible solutions OR Custom Molded Footwear
  • Stretch Shoes: Comfort Shoe Specialists has extensive solutions for custom stretching
  • Custom made total contact Trilaminate or Plastazote Accommodative Orthoses, including excavations, posting, metatarsal support, met head relief are some of the possible accommodations
  • Shoe insole excavations
  • Padded tongues with customized relief for bony exotosis (instep bony deformities)
  • Bubble patches
  • Medial and lateral stabilizers, flairs, wedges
  • Changing laced shoes to velcro closures
  • Rocker Soles

Got questions about Foot Conditions

We've got answers.

Contact Us
Request An Appointment Contact Us