Since the arthritis in my foot has gotten worse, it seems like I'm walking a lot more flat-footed. Is this my imagination, or should I seek treatment for it?

Joints stay healthiest when they have good alignment. Problems can happen when the alignment begins to change because of the effects of arthritis. If nothing is done about it, the change in position can eventually cause the joint to become deformed. The added strain of bearing weight onto the foot can cause an arthritic foot to roll in on the inside edge, giving the foot a flattened appearance. The altered alignment can cause pain because the joints of the foot and ankle get stretched and strained. Your doctor may prescribe a special shoe insert, called an orthotic, to help support your foot in its best alignment. This type of treatment is sometimes needed to help ease joint pain and to prevent additional injury and deformity.