September is Arthritis Awareness Month and Canadian Certified Pedorthists – C. Ped (C) – across Canada are ready to deliver top tips and advice on what you can do to prevent arthritis from slowing you down. Here are some facts about arthritis and footcare to start off the month:
- Arthritis is a condition that can create chronic pain and cause problems with walking, standing and balance.
- The term Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 related diseases affecting joints, tissues, or even the entire body.
- Although arthritis is common, affecting about 20 percent of Canadians over age 12, it is not a generally well understood condition.
- Arthritis can affect people of all ages. In fact, arthritis affects three of every 1,000 Canadian children, and three out of five Canadians diagnosed with arthritis are of working age.
- When it comes to arthritis in the feet, ankles, knees and hips, Pedorthists can offer alternatives to medication to help improve mobility and flexibility in lower limb joints through the use of custom-made orthotics and footwear.
- Exercise helps arthritic joints: physical activity can build muscles, which supports and protects joints in the long run.
And speaking of staying active, here are some tips for you to get fit this fall:
- Try to work in some physical activity every day into your daily routine
- If you’re just starting out again after taking the summer off, start slow and easy until you are more comfortable incorporating more intensity
- Be sure to combine low-impact aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening activities, and balancing exercises into your workouts.
Check back frequently this month as we share more facts about arthritis, footcare and staying active. And be sure to use #PACArthritis when you share related content on social media!
