It is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body's joints. If the feet seem more susceptible to arthritis than other parts of the body, it is because each foot has 33 joints which can be afflicted, and there is no way to avoid the pain of the tremendous weight-bearing load on the feet. In some forms, it appears to have hereditary tendencies. While the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infancy to middle age are potential victims. People over 50 are the primary targets.
Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence.
But that may be avoided with early diagnosis and proper medical care. Arthritis, in general terms, is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Bacterial and viral infections can strike the joints. The same organisms that are present in pneumonia, gonorrhea, staph infections, and Lyme disease cause the inflammations. Arthritis can develop in conjunction with bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis, frequently in the joints of the ankles and toes.