Lupus is a condition that affects various parts of your body. It's an autoimmune disease that can attack the joints in your feet and ankles. In mild cases, you might not need medical treatment. But, even when your foot symptoms are mild, it's still a good idea to see a podiatrist for advice managing your condition. Plus, if your symptoms are severe, you might need medical treatments to help your feet. Here are ways lupus can affect your feet, treatments your podiatrist might provide, and lifestyle changes you might need to make.
Lupus Can Cause Foot And Ankle Pain
Since lupus can affect your joints, you might have inflammation and joint pain when lupus bothers your feet. In addition, changes that lupus causes to your skin can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. You might experience rubbing that leads to calluses and soreness.
Lupus also causes problems with circulation. Exposure to cool or cold temperatures could trigger pain in your toes due to decreased circulation. Lupus might even make you more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections due to the drugs you may need to take for your condition.
Because of all the possible complications of lupus in your feet, your feet may tire easily, be sore at the end of the day, or be so painful that you have trouble walking.
Foot And Ankle Care Your Podiatrist Might Provide
Education about your condition is one of the most important types of care your podiatrist can provide. You need to be careful about the type of shoes you wear when you have lupus so you can avoid triggering foot pain and so you can protect your feet against infections.
Your podiatrist might even make custom orthotics for you so you can wear shoes comfortably. Since you may have a loss of sensation in your feet and ankles, you'll need to check your feet daily and see your podiatrist if you develop an infection or have an injury so your feet can be treated promptly.
A podiatrist can work with your rheumatologist to come up with a treatment plan that includes medications, supplements, and learning to identify and avoid triggers that cause your lupus to flare.
Lifestyle Changes For Better Foot And Ankle Care
When lupus affects your feet, you'll need to take good care of your feet and ankles. One way to do this is to lose weight so you don't put excess strain on your ankles and feet. Also, you may need to schedule regular rest periods into your workday so you can get off your feet to reduce swelling.
In addition, be sure to pamper your feet by wearing proper support shoes and by seeing your podiatrist when you have foot pain or when the condition of your feet changes.
For more information on foot and ankle care, contact a company near you.
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