Foot Care to Support Active Life

Abstract

We are supporting the active lives of rheumatoid arthritis patients through foot care. Our survey revealed that 90 percent of them are suffering from troubles with their feet, such as hallux valgus, flat foot, callosity, ingrown nail, and ulcer formation. In order to relieve these troubles, the patients reluctantly wear uncomfortable large shoes. As a result, the activities of patients’ lives are worsening. The foot care in our clinic supports the patients to create better circumstances for their feet, reexamine the choice of shoes, facilitate the walking, and extend their activities. Readjustments of width of arches alleviate the loads on feet and prevent deformation. Callosities are removed by glinding. Ingrown nails are corrected by the pediglass technique. Creating better circumstances for feet is also important to prevent relapse. Thorough these approaches, we consider how the patients are feeling and can establish confidential relationships with patients. We believe that foot care can bring hope to the patients and supports their active lives.