Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that damages the joints. It can impact any part of a joint, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. Over time, arthritis can limit the range of motion in the affected joints. 

If you have arthritis in your feet or ankles, walking and standing for long periods may feel uncomfortable.

Are there different types of arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis, but the three most common forms to affect the feet and ankles are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

By far the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage on the outside of the joints. Cartilage is a flexible type of tissue that cushions your joints. Without it, your joints may swell and become rigid. 

The joint at the base of the big toe is one of the most common areas that OA affects. OA also frequently damages the ankle joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes the synovium lining inside your joints to inflame. RA is one of the most severe forms of arthritis to affect the feet and ankles. The disease often impacts the same joint on both sides of your body.

Gout

Gout is an intense type of arthritis that commonly impacts the joint at the base of the big toe. As uric acid crystals accumulate inside the joint, the bone becomes painful and swollen. The skin around your joint may appear red and feel warm to the touch. 

Gout attacks come on suddenly, often in the middle of the night. They can cause severe pain and discomfort.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

The podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists take an individualized approach to arthritis treatment that may include one or more of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Shoe modifications

If nonsurgical techniques fail to restore function to your damaged joints, your podiatrist may recommend arthroscopic surgery. 

This minimally invasive technique involves performing surgery through keyhole-sized incisions. It typically results in less pain, swelling, scarring, and a shorter recovery period than traditional open surgery.

To learn more about your treatment options for arthritis, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.