Best Arthritis Treatment

Orthotics is a specialist field of medicine that focuses on the use of external appliances to assist joint movement and alleviate pain. Orthotics uses knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and engineering, to help patients that are suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis.

For arthritis treatment, the use of orthotics is extremely effective for knee and foot pain. This can be utilised on its own or often with other treatment, to achieve the best results.

Treatment of Medial Osteoarthritis

There have been studies carried out over the years that have highlighted the fact that specialist foot orthotics have been vital in the reduction of pain, for those patients that have arthritis of the knee. Specific studies reveal that orthotics has been very effective in helping people who suffer especially with osteoarthritis in the knee. The knee has two ‘compartments. The one closest to the other leg is called the medical, and the lateral compartment, which is situated on the outside of the leg.

Studies of this area of the body show that using customised orthotics with unique ‘lateral’ or ‘valgus’ wedges is successful. By adding wedges, the pain is reduced, and all of the pressure that has built up in the knee’s medical compartment is lessened. One of the most revealing reports about the use of orthotics for arthritis treatment took place in 2005. A selection of 30 people that had medial knee osteoarthritis used foot orthoses. These had all been fitted with lateral wedges set to five degrees. After just six weeks usage all of the 30 said that they had relief, and 28 out of the 30 stated that the orthoses were comfortable.

Most effective conditions to reduce pain

There have been many reports about what are the best conditions for this type of arthritis treatment to deliver the best outcome. The results show:

• Orthotics is most successful in instances where arthritis affects the inside of the knee.
• Adjustment is very often crucial so ensure that the treatment works

Arthritis in the ankles or feet

Because the feet have 33 joints, they are a part of the body that is highly vulnerable to osteoarthritis. This, in turn, could lead to pain in other areas of the body such as the lower back, knees and shins. A way that has been found to be successful to correct biomechanics and misalignment in this area is orthotic inserts. Custom made shoes have benefitted many people who suffer from this condition.

Orthotic treatment functions by re-distributing the body weight more evenly and thus lowering the pressure on the areas of sensitivity. Orthotics have materials that are shock-absorbing, which will considerably relieve any stress on the lower part of the body that is caused by walking or running. The treatment will also severely reduce the wear and tear on the body’s joints in this area by restricting motion.

The differences in orthotics

There are two different sorts of orthotics: functional and accommodative. Accommodative are softer and utilise materials such as leather, rubber, cork and foam. Accommodative orthotics aim at cushioning a patient’s feet.

For anybody that is experiencing pain and wants to find out more about this form of relief, then it is a good idea to make an appointment with The Foot and Leg Clinic.