Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and can occur in any joint in the body, especially in the foot. As you get older, your foot’s natural shock absorbers will wear down. Having arthritis in addition to life’s wear and tear only makes matters worse; the joints become distorted and inflamed, making arthritic foot care important to consider for your overall health. Although there are many different forms of arthritis, there are three main types that occur in the foot. The three types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

The primary cause of osteoarthritis is aging. As you age, cartilage degenerates around the joints and causes friction and pain. Obesity can cause osteoarthritis through mechanical stress. Injuries that damage joints can increase your probability of developing osteoarthritis as well. A family history of osteoarthritis can also increase your likelihood for development.