Do you also feel stiff and stiff when you get out of bed in the morning? After a while, it becomes difficult to walk, and you have to walk slowly like a robot? Does this feeling subside a little when you get some exercise and move around? Then this may not just be a normal back problem. It could also be the condition we are talking about today, Ankylosing Spondylitis, or AS for short. Don't worry, we will talk about everything in simple terms.
Simply put, what is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
AS is actually a type of arthritis. But it mainly affects our spine. Think of our spine as a flexible bamboo tree. We can bend and stretch it as we want. But in someone with AS, the joints in the spine gradually become inflamed, and over time, those joints fuse together. Then that flexible bamboo tree becomes stiff and inflexible, like a piece of dry wood.
It usually starts in the lower back. Morning stiffness and pain are the main symptoms. But it is not limited to the back. Over time, this pain can spread to areas such as the heels, shoulders, ribs, and neck .
The important thing is that these symptoms appear gradually. Usually, most people start to experience these symptoms around the age of 45. Therefore, it is very important to recognize this condition and start treatment as soon as possible.
Okay, how does this have to do with shoes?
You might be wondering why shoes are good for back pain. Think about it this way. Our feet support the weight of our entire body, keeping our body balanced. Like the foundation of a large building. In just one of our feet, there are over 50 tiny bones, over 200 muscles and tendons, and over 60 joints. All of these things work together to make our walking easier.
Now imagine that you already have arthritis pain in your ankles, knees, or hips. What if the shoes you wear don't fit your feet and don't provide any support? That foundation is weakened. Then the entire structure (your body) becomes unstable, and the pain increases. The wrong shoes can worsen existing problems and create new ones. That's why choosing the right shoes is essential for someone with a condition like AS.
So what kind of shoes should we choose?
A good shoe is not just an expensive, beautiful shoe. It should be one that provides good comfort and support to our feet. Let's look at some of the types of shoes that are best suited for someone with AS.
| Suitable shoe type | Special qualities to have |
|---|---|
| Athletic Stability Shoes | These are one of the best options. The midsole and heel area of the shoe are well cushioned. This reduces the pressure on the foot while walking. Especially since it reduces the pressure on the ball of the foot, the pain is greatly reduced. |
| Boots | Boots are another good option. But not just any boots. Choose sturdy boots with rubber soles and not too high. Flat boots with arch support are also good. Like hiking boots, they provide good ankle support. |
| Things to avoid | Flat, hard sandals. Shoes with no cushioning whatsoever. Shoes with very high heels. Also, while the shoe should provide support for the foot, it should also be a little flexible. If you wear a shoe that is completely hard and like a rock, you won't be able to walk normally. |
Other things to consider when choosing shoes
- Time: Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon. Because our feet swell a bit after walking all day. Shoes bought at that time are easier to wear at any time of the day.
- Measure accurately: Measure both feet and choose the size that fits the larger foot.
- Walk around a bit: Put on the shoes and walk around the store for a bit. See if they are really comfortable for your feet, and if they are tight or painful anywhere.
What will happen if this situation is ignored?
AS is a condition that can start out mild, but can get worse over time if not treated properly. As we discussed earlier, the joints in the spine can become compressed and the back can become stiff.
As a result, a person's posture may change, leading to a hunched-over posture. In some severe cases, the joints connecting the ribs may become stiff, making it difficult for the chest to expand properly. This can even lead to difficulty breathing .
So, if you have these symptoms, don't just ignore them, thinking, "It's just a backache." The best thing to do is to see your family doctor (GP) or a bone and joint specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely you are to prevent permanent damage to your joints.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It can cause pain and stiffness in areas such as the back, hips, and shoulders.
- For someone with this type of joint pain, choosing the right shoes can go a long way in managing the pain.
- When choosing shoes, choose shoes that have good cushioning and provide good support for the sole and ankle. Athletic stability shoes and hiking boots are good examples.
- Avoid shoes and sandals that are completely flat, stiff, and have no support.
- If you suspect you have symptoms of AS, don't guess, but definitely see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න