Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, affects the feet of one in six people over the age of 50. With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common type of inflammatory autoimmune arthritis, more than 90 percent of patients develop symptoms in the foot and ankle over the course of the disease. In about 20 percent of RA cases, foot and ankle symptoms are even among the first signs of the disease.

Arthritis symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. This pain can make even the simplest everyday tasks a struggle and can sometimes severely limit physical activities. Only a medical professional can make a definitive arthritis diagnosis, but many sufferers find relief with home treatments. In particular, light therapy can help by relaxing muscles and relieving spasms, pain, and stiffness.