Plantar Fasciitis is a condition of the foot that is closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This may surprise some people who suffer from one or both conditions. Yet nearly a quarter of people in the U.S. suffer from foot pain, and these types of conditions only get worse with age.

Certain forms of arthritis commonly affect the feet, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Since the feet have so many bones and joints, this area of the body is particularly susceptible to arthritic conditions.

The purpose of this article is to provide information about plantar fasciitis and how people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can prevent and manage this painful condition.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition typically marked by pain on the bottom of the foot and near the heal.^1,2,3 It is typically the most painful just after an individual wakes up and takes the first few steps in the morning.⁴ However, prolonged, sitting and standing can trigger this type of pain.

Also, the period of time right after exercise is often very painful for people with plantar fasciitis. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms are often swelling and stiffness in the feet, pain in the ball or the sole of the foot, and joint deformation in the feet.⁵

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Tension and stress in the feet can lead to tears in the fascia and plantar fascia pain.³ Normal plantar fascia absorbs shock and supports the foot’s arch. However, repetitive motions can cause this part of the foot to become inflamed and irritated.

Age, heavy body weight and the shape of the foot can influence the onset of this condition. People who have jobs that require them to work on their feet, like teachers and factory workers, are more prone to plantar fasciitis. Also, some types of exercise, like aerobic dancing and long-distance running, can lead to this condition.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis and Plantar Fasciitis are Connected

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and often affects the small joints located in the feet.⁶ This condition causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, and this inflammation makes rheumatoid arthritis sufferers more prone to plantar fasciitis.³

The most common symptoms associated with these two concurrent conditions is heel pain. It is common for rheumatoid arthritis patients to form corns and bunions on their feet.⁷ Additionally, these individuals may experience curled toes and stiff toes that result in claw toes and hammer toes.

The Role of Exercise in Preventing Plantar Fasciitis

One way that people with rheumatoid arthritis can prevent or delay the onset of plantar fasciitis is to exercise on a regular basis.^3,4,6 But of course, it is important to exercise with extra caution to not exacerbate the symptoms and long-term consequences.

Arthritis relief creams like JointFlex may help to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; however, additional treatment may be needed for plantar fasciitis symptoms. Individuals who experience persistent foot pain should speak to a primary care physician or specialist about the possible causes and whether arthritis could be to blame.

There are several different types of arthritis that individuals suffer from, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. However, there is a lesser-known form of the disease called acute infectious arthritis that affects young children and older adults. Here is a description of how acute infectious arthritis differs from the other forms of the disease in terms of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment.

Causes of Acute Infectious Arthritis

As the name suggests, this type of arthritis is caused by infection in a joint. It is also referred to as septic arthritis and acute septic arthritis.^1,2,3 The cause of this condition is bacteria or viruses that spread to a joint or to the synovial fluid that surrounds a joint. Infections typically originate in another part of the body and spread to the joint through the bloodstream, an open wound, or during surgery.

Symptoms of Acute Infectious Arthritis

Acute infectious arthritis typically gets worse over the course of hours or days, and this condition usually affects a single joint. These are some of the common symptoms associated with acute infectious arthritis.

• Joint pain in one joint
• Effusion
• Restricted active and passive range of motion
• Redness
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Irritability

Risk Factors for Acute Infectious Arthritis

Like many forms of arthritis, certain types of people are more at risk of developing this condition than others. Children can develop this condition, and children under the age of three are more at risk.^2,4 Also, adults who are over the age of 60 are more likely to develop acute infectious arthritis.

Other risk factors include alcoholism, bacteremia, arthrocentesis, and prior joint surgery. Individuals with cancer, diabetes, hemophilia, immunodeficiency diseases, and history of a previous joint infection are also more likely to develop this condition.^2,5,6 Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of infectious arthritis as well.

Treatments for Acute Infectious Arthritis

Synovial fluid analysis is needed to diagnose an individual with this condition, and arthrocentesis is a medical test commonly used to diagnose acute infectious arthritis.⁶ Antibiotic IV treatment and drainage of pus from the joints is often recommended as treatment.^2,3,4,5 Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the infection. By draining the excess fluid on the affected joint, pain and swelling should subside. A surgical procedure, such as arthroscopy, is often required to remove damaging material from the joint and clear the infection.

To quickly manage and relieve the pain, powerful arthritis creams like JointFlex can be rubbed into the joint. Resting the joint, splinting the joint, and engaging in physical therapy are treatment strategies that may also be discussed.

Overall, acute infectious arthritis is a very treatable condition, especially if it is diagnosed early. But if left untreated, this condition can cause long-term joint damage. Bacterial infections tend to be easier to treat than fungal infections, yet infectious arthritis caused by a fungus tends to go away on its own with time. Individuals who begin to experience unexplained symptoms as described above should consult a doctor immediately. Once the infection has subsided, muscle strengthening exercises may help joints become more resistant to infections in the future.

One of the least-known and most-misunderstood forms of arthritis that individuals suffer from today is psoriatic arthritis. This is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can lead to permanent joint damage if not diagnosed and treated as soon as symptoms arise. In fact, studies suggest that irreversible damage can occur if there is a diagnostic delay of just six months.^1,2 Here is a broad overview of psoriatic arthritis and how it relates to dry skin symptoms and swelling of the fingers.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that often develops slowly, but the onset can come quickly with some patients.³ It often appears initially as just generalized fatigue and stiffness.

The fingers often swell and are described as looking like sausages.⁴ Other symptoms related to the swelling of the fingers include throbbing, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. Individuals with this condition may also see their nails separating from the nail bed.

Oligoarticular is the term used to describe mild psoriatic arthritis when it affects four or fewer joints in the body.⁵ More serious cases of the condition are referred to as polyarticular. Psoriatic arthritis can affect the hands, toes, arms, legs, or spinal column. But the type that causes inflammation and swelling of the fingers and toes is called dactylitis and is a distinguishing indicator of this type of arthritis.

Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatologists are physicians who specialize in arthritis and are often best equipped to confirm a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.⁶ It is possible to be diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis and also gout and psoriatic arthritis, but these dual-arthritis conditions are very rare.

Medications are used to reduce inflammation and pain, and many of these medications are designed to treat both the joint condition and skin disease.³ Topical pain relief creams that are specially formulated for arthritis sufferers, like JointFlex, may also help psoriatic arthritis sufferers find relief.

If the body does not respond to initial treatment, physicians may explore disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs like sulfasalazine or methotrexate.⁷ Biologic therapies have also been used to block molecules and receptors that cause inflammation.³ In other patients, corticosteroid injections and surgery may be discussed.

Who Suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.¹ Children are more likely to experience psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at the same time than adults are. In some cases, the joint conditions that are caused by these diseases actually come before the skin conditions. Regardless of age, the development of psoriatic arthritis is affected by genetics, immune system functioning, and various environmental factors.

Ways to Prevent Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Exercise is recommended for psoriatic arthritis sufferers to keep the joints and muscles active and flexible.^8,9 Walking, swimming, yoga, and stretching are excellent low-impact ways to get moving without putting too much strain on tender joints. Cold packs can reduce swelling and ease pain, while a warm towel or bath can relax aching joints and muscles.

Some individuals find mobility tools, like canes and grab bars, useful in carrying out daily activities without putting undue stress on the joints. Reducing one’s sugar, red meat, and dairy consumption may help with the inflammation symptoms as well. Meanwhile, antioxidant-rich foods like spinach and blueberries can naturally strengthen the body’s immune system.

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects approximately 350 million people around the world.¹ In the U.S. alone, at least 23 percent of adults have some form of arthritis, which is a leading cause of disability.² Many people do not understand how to properly manage their symptoms, which can make arthritis feel unbearable in daily life. Here are five helpful tips for managing arthritis pain and coping with this disease around the house and in the workplace.

1. Wear Supportive Shoes

Arthritis sufferers often feel like the damage to their body has already been done and that the shoes they wear don’t really matter. But this is a mistake because flat, flexible shoes can actually reduce the force exerted on one’s joints.³ This is an important modification for people who experience arthritis in the knees and hips. However, choose sneakers with closed toes and arch support over flip-flops.

2. Use Special Tools at Home and Work

Daily tasks like cooking and opening doors can be difficult for people with arthritis. And arthritis sufferers who work often have trouble with computers, industry tools, and factory equipment. Fortunately, there are many products available at hardware and medical supply stores to help arthritis sufferers with daily tasks.⁴

These are some devices to consider using around the home and at work to make tasks easier:

• Zipper pulls
• Buttoning aids
• Electric can openers
• Tub bars and handrails
• Adjustable height chairs and desks
• Wide key holder for the car

3. Try Topical Creams for Quick Relief

Topical creams like JointFlex are able to deliver immediate and long-lasting relief to the site of arthritis pain. It is advisable for arthritis sufferers to keep tubes of cream handy at home and work so that it can be applied at the first signs of pain. Topical creams may also pose fewer risks and side effects compared to oral medications because they are absorbed locally rather than passing through the entire body.⁵

4. Be Active and Adjust the Diet

One of the best (and hardest) ways to manage arthritis pain is to manage one’s body weight and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.^6,7 Activities like walking and aerobics can keep the joints limber and prevent arthritis pain from becoming worse.⁸ Gardening, for example, can be made easier for arthritis sufferers by using assistive devices like lightweight hoses and kneelers.

Also, some foods are better for arthritis sufferers than others.⁹ Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and nuts and may help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Gamma-linolenic acid is another fatty acid that can be beneficial to arthritis patients and contained in plants like hemp and evening primrose.¹⁰ Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for arthritis sufferers as well.¹¹

5. Learn About All Available Treatments

Just because an individual has been diagnosed with arthritis doesn’t mean that the condition can’t be treated and managed to a level of high-functioning and comfort. Assistive technology and lifestyle changes can help people with arthritis cope with their condition. But modern advancements in medicine have revealed many promising treatments for arthritis that are worth discussing with a doctor.¹²

These are a few of the many treatments that individuals with arthritis may want to learn more about to better understand their options for coping with the disease:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Steroid injection
• Hyaluronic acid injection
• Trigger point injection
• Nerve block
• Acupuncture
• Peripheral nerve stimulation

Recurring joint pain can limit an individual’s physical activity and reduce quality of life when symptoms are not managed effectively. Whether these symptoms are mildly irritating or debilitating, joint pain that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back can put a serious strain on one’s health.¹ There are serious implications of recurring joint pain, especially when undiagnosed. This is why seeking timely medical treatment is so important when joint pain persists with no relief.

Dangers of Prolonging Treatment

Waiting to treat joint pain can be very damaging to the body in the long-term. Many people do not realize that they have a joint condition like osteoarthritis until they fall and break a bone.² With knowledge of one’s condition and proper diagnosis, individuals with joint pain can effectively manage their symptoms and take extra precautions to remain safe.

When joint pain persists for an extended period of time, other complications may arise as well. Many people who suffer from long-term joint pain develop depression due to feelings of hopelessness about their conditions.³ Limited mobility can cause weight gain and create excess stress on other parts of the body that aren’t experiencing pain yet.⁴

People who have untreated rheumatoid arthritis are also at a higher risk of infection since this condition is an autoimmune disease.^5,6 Additionally, untreated joint pain can lead to a hunched posture and spine fractures that result in a loss of body height. All of these factors can contribute to an increased number of hospital stays and long-term nursing home care.

When to See a Doctor

Since feelings of pain are highly relative and personal, it can be difficult to know what type of pain is serious enough to warrant a doctor visit. If joint pain is accompanied by tenderness, warmth, swelling, or redness around the joint, it is time to make an appointment.^1,2,5 These are early warning signs that require medical attention to prevent further damage and prolonged pain.

Immediate attention is required if joint pain is accompanied by a deformity of the joint or if the joint cannot be used.^6,7 Very intense pain and sudden swelling also indicate that it’s time to see a doctor. Pain that persists more than two weeks, unexplained pain, and pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medications like JointFlex require a doctor visit as well. The cause of some types of joint pain can be diagnosed without any tests; however, a blood test or x-ray may be required to confirm the diagnosis.⁶

Arthritis Management with Age

The earlier that one begins prevention, management, and treatment for arthritis, the better chance of reducing joint pain over time. In general, arthritis becomes more difficult to treat and manage with age.

This is because osteoporosis and arthritis conditions become more likely and widespread in older adults.⁹ Bones become more brittle and joints become weaker over time, which makes these parts more likely to fracture. Some treatment options like surgery may not be viable options during old age due to high risks involved. Physical therapy may be more difficult and painful if joint pain is ignored until old age, and certain medications may not be advisable because of possible interactions with other prescriptions being taken. At the first signs of recurring joint pain, see a doctor to assess your condition and begin treatment for a long and healthy life.

There has been a rising trend in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that involves nerve stimulation techniques to reduce inflammation. Recent research conducted by Kevin J. Tracey, MD, a neurosurgeon, and president and CEO of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, suggests that the inflammation associated with RA could be reduced by stimulating the vagus nerve.^1,2

But as with any new treatment, there are certain benefits, risks, and specifications that one should consider before committing to this approach. Here are some things rheumatoid arthritis sufferers should know about nerve stimulation to make a personal treatment decision that’s right for them.

History of Nerve Stimulation

Clinical trials for the silver dollar-sized device that’s used for nerve stimulation date back to 2009. Dr. Tracey developed this device to stimulate over 80,000 fibers in the vagus nerve through an electrode system that extends to the neck.³ The goal of this treatment is to stimulate a nerve that runs from the brain stem to the stomach, known as the vagus nerve and can trigger inflammation.⁴

However, experimentation with vagal maneuvers is nothing new in the field of medicine.^5,6 Vagus nerve stimulators have been implanted into the chest to reduce a rapid heart rate, for example, as well as to treat particular forms of epilepsy and prolonged depression. Studies on the effects of nerve stimulation for RA patients date back to the 1970s and 1980s, yet Dr. Tracey’s particular stimulators are still in the experimental phase for RA.

At least a dozen people with RA have agreed to have Dr. Tracey’s device implanted in their bodies for testing and possible relief.^6,7 The devices require daily activation and are designed to become permanent fixtures in the body. Many of these patients have reported reduced pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints, leading researchers to believe that the remedy could become available to the general public in Europe and the U.S. in the near future.

Benefits and Hopes of Nerve Stimulation

Unlike many other RA treatments, nerve stimulation targets the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. This type of stimulation activates the immune system and prevents the body from producing inflammatory proteins that cause RA.^2,9

This approach may be a viable strategy for patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment because thus far, few serious side effects have been reported. Dr. Tracey has said that an added benefit of this device is that only needs to be turned on for about 15 minutes per day and doesn’t require frequent battery changes.

Nerve Stimulation Risks & Concerns

However, nerve stimulation therapy for RA patients does not come without its fair share of risks. When foreign devices are permanently implanted into the body, researchers may not fully anticipate their long-term effects, long-term viability, or what type of molecular events they could cause later in life.⁸

To avoid these risks, RA sufferers may opt for familiar and established sources of joint pain relief like over-the-counter JointFlex. RA patients should learn more about this potential treatment by reading the July 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and discussing symptoms and concerns with a medical professional who specializes in arthritis treatment.¹⁰

Rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are often misidentified as one another when linked to symptoms of joint pain in the hands. However, the distinction is extremely important in order for the most appropriate treatment to be pursued.

These are the key differences between rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome and why the timing of diagnosis and treatment is so important for these two painful conditions.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain in the Hands

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is caused by the body’s own immune system.¹ This autoimmune disorder occurs in the hands when the body’s immune system attacks its own bodily tissues by mistake. It has a painful impact on the lining of the joints, causing swelling, bone erosion, and even joint deformities in severe cases.

Rheumatoid arthritis in the hands feels like swelling and stiffness, with joints that are tender and warm to the touch.^2,3,4,5 Symptoms typically occur on both sides of the body and get worse over time with pain that comes and goes. Over-the-counter medications like JointFlex are effective in treating the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, providing powerful and fast-acting arthritis relief without a prescription.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Pain in the Hands

Conversely, carpal tunnel syndrome is caused as a result of compression of the median nerve and wear and tear over time.^6,8 This nerve extends from the forearm through the wrist and into the hand.⁷ Repetitive work, a wrist fracture, and chronic diseases like diabetes are risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.^8,9 Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome as well.¹⁰

Carpal tunnel syndrome feels like numbness and tingling in the hands that can be described as a “pins and needles sensation.”^6,7,8 This condition gets worse with use, especially while gripping objects or bending the wrist. Symptoms may be felt in either one hand or both hands and symptoms tend to be worse at night. Nonsurgical therapies for treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and wrist splinting.^7,11 Surgery may be required for severe cases to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

The Important of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

Both rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome have long-term implications if they are not addressed quickly and correctly. That’s why this distinction between the two conditions must be made and well-understood.

People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often have joint pain in other regions of the body in addition to the hands.⁵ Carpal tunnel syndrome pain, however, is typically restricted to the hand, forearm, and shoulder.¹² The tingling and numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome distinguish themselves from rheumatoid arthritis pain because it often doesn’t affect the pinky finger as badly, it’s triggered by repetitive motion, and it extends up the forearm.

Hand and wrist pain may also be attributed to an injury of the tendon, ligament, or bone or even a nerve problem in the fingers or neck.¹³ It is important to consult a trusted medical professional to properly diagnose and recommend treatment for the precise hand and joint pain condition that one suffers from.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and a degenerative joint disease that is prevalent among older adults. It is estimated that 27 million adults over the age of 25 are suffering from this condition in the United States today.¹ In day-to-day life, osteoarthritis can limit daily personal activities, restrict work, and make sufferers feel helpless or depressed.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Unlike other forms of arthritis that also affect internal organs, such as rheumatoid arthritis, this form only affects the joints.² It mostly affects cartilage and can be very painful. It can progress quickly, but most often develops and worsens over a period of many years.

Eroded Cartilage and Bone Spurs

Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects cartilage, which is the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.³ Healthy cartilage absorbs movement shocks, but osteoarthritis causes the top layer of cartilage to break away.⁴ Pain is caused when bones rub together without this cartilage protection, and over time, bones may lose their mobility and shape.

Another debilitating condition of osteoarthritis is bone spurs.^3,5 These can grow on the edges of joints, and tiny pieces of bone and cartilage can break off. This causes even more pain and long-term damage. In osteoarthritis sufferers, the body attempts to repair bone and cartilage loss by creating bone spurs near the damaged area.

Who Does Osteoarthritis Affect Most?

Older adults most commonly develop osteoarthritis, and this condition worsens with age.³ However, younger people who have suffered joint injuries can develop the condition as well. Some of the other risk factors of developing osteoarthritis include being overweight, genetic defects in joint cartilage, and subjecting the joints to high stress from work or sports.¹

What Does Osteoarthritis Feel Like?

One of the most common symptoms of osteoarthrosis is a feeling of stiffness after getting out of bed or after sitting for long periods of time.³ It also feels like swelling and tenderness in the joints, and sufferers may experience a crunching feeling when one bone rubs up on another bone.

During a physical exam, a doctor may conduct x-rays or do an MRI to detect the degree and location of joint damage. He or she may also order blood tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the joint pain.

What Body Parts Does Osteoarthritis Affect?

The most common places that people develop osteoarthritis are the hips and knees. About one in four people develop hip arthritis by age 85, and nearly one in two people develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by then.⁶ However, it can also occur in the hands and spine.

Pain-Killer Alternative Treatments

Osteoarthritis sufferers often take a combination of pain-killers, but these types of medications can be habit-forming and negatively interact with each other. As an alternative, JointFlex offers a clinically proven solution for immediate and long-term pain relief for osteoarthritis, and is designed to deliver soothing ingredients quickly and safely to where you need it most. An eight-week clinical trial published in the Journal of Rheumatology showed dramatic improvements in patients who suffered from chronic osteoarthritis knee pain for an average of 10 years.⁷

In addition to this powerful non-prescription cream, osteoarthritis sufferers should also balance the amount of exercise they get with rest from stress on the joints and ensure their diet supports a healthy weight.¹ For example, strengthening exercises with light weights, low-impact aerobic exercises, range-of-motion exercises, and balance/agility exercises can help people with osteoarthritis sustain the use of their joints for a longer period of time.⁸