According to a new report released by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that the prevalence of falls and
fall injuries are higher among adults with arthritis. Triggering these falls
are loss of balance, pain and other factors relating to arthritic missteps.
CDC findings also find that the prevalence of falling two or
more times and injuries due to falls is higher among middle-aged and older
adults with arthritis than those without arthritis.
Among adults with arthritis compared with adults without
arthritis, the median age-adjusted prevalence (for all states and DC) was
higher for a single fall (15.5% vs. 12.1%), for 2 or more falls (21.3% vs.
9.0%), and for fall injuries (16.2% vs. 6.5).
The findings represent a public health issue that should be
addressed. According to the CDC, "Health care providers treating chronic
conditions and public health practitioners may address this public health issue
by raising awareness about the link between arthritis and falls, evaluating existing
evidence-based arthritis interventions for their effect on falls, implementing
fall prevention programs more widely through enhancements in clinical and
community practice, and making other effective community interventions widely
available."
Arthritis in the Foot
Arthritis affects 52.5 million Americans and is the most
common cause of disability in the United States. Physical activity and other
arthritis-management strategies can help these men and women live a fuller life
and reduce pain.
Emerging research suggests that there may be a significant
role for foot orthotics and footwear in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
and osteoarthritis of the hip, knee and foot.
Arthritis in the foot can be excruciating and is one of the
most common arthritic ailments. This prevalence and treatability is because the
foot is one of the most complex parts in the body; with 26 bones, six joints,
and a multitude of muscles and tendons. However arthritis in the foot is a one
of the more manageable conditions. Pharmaceuticals can be used internally but
alleviating externally and stave off advancing pain can be done in several
orthopedic ways. Biomechanical evidence indicates that foot orthotics and
specialized footwear may change muscle activation and gait patterns to reduce
joint loading.
Orthopedic Treatment
Rigid or soft orthotic measures relative to foot structure
is important as well. Typically rigid orthotics is used to control excessive
pronation or flat-footedness, which reduces forefoot loading and minimizes
forefoot and rear foot pain.
Rigid orthotics may also reduce the risk of subsequent
deformities such as hallux valgus. Studies also reveal that foot orthosis has
led to a 73% decrease in the incidence of hallux valgus over a three-year
period. Conversely, soft orthotics is typically used in conjunction with rigid
foot ailments and reduces both forefoot and generalized foot pain in patients
with rheumatoid arthritis. As both rigid and soft orthotics provided adequate
comfort in these patients, doctors recommend foot orthotics to meet an
individual’s unique needs for pain reduction.
QS Health Recommendations
In addition to our wide array of orthotic options QS Health
recommends the following in treating arthritis:
1. Learn
Arthritis Management Strategies
2. Be Active
3. Watch
Your Weight
4. See Your
Doctor
5. Protect
Your Joints
Additional information can be found on CDC's website
(www.cdc.gov/arthritis) which provides accurate, timely, and beneficial
information to improve the lives of millions of Americans living with this
chronic disease. If you are suffering from arthritis or a similar condition try
one of QS Health treatments for your ailment or any other which may be causing
chronic pain. Many of our products are silicone or polymer inserts for
footwear. Most of our customers have found that pain can be resolved with
padding and cushions that more closely match the natural shape of the foot and
not need surgery.
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