Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care in Fleming Island, FL
What Causes Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis develops when one or more joints become inflamed. When this occurs, it’s very likely for you to develop pain and stiffness in the affected area. Arthritis is typically common in the small joints of the foot as well as the ankle. It’s very possible that arthritis can develop due to previous injuries or traumas from the past. Some of the most common causes for arthritis may include old age, obesity, and genetic factors. It’s also been found that women who wear tight, high-heeled shoes for most of their lives are prone to experiencing foot complications such as arthritis.
Each foot contains 28 bones and more than 30 joints, so there are many places where arthritis can develop. Osteoarthritis, often called “wear and tear” arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually breaks down. It frequently affects the big toe joint, the midfoot, and the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, and it commonly affects both feet at the same time. Post-traumatic arthritis may develop years after a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain, while gout causes sudden, intense flare-ups when uric acid crystals collect in a joint, most often the big toe.
Arthritis Foot Symptoms
Some signs that point to the development of arthritis include foot pain, stiffness in the joints, swelling, clicking or popping noises, as well as difficulty walking. Since arthritis can cause so much discomfort, it’s important to look into treatment methods that can help alleviate arthritic pain.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may come and go. Many people notice that their feet feel stiff first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while. You may see redness or warmth around a joint, find that certain shoes no longer fit comfortably, or notice changes in the shape of your foot, such as bony bumps, bunions, or curled toes. As arthritis progresses, the joint may lose some of its range of motion, making it harder to walk, climb stairs, or stand for long periods.
Relieving Arthritic Foot Pain
One step you can take is to invest in comfortable footwear that provides you with optimal support. Shoes with arch support, heel cups, cushioning, and shock absorption are likely to provide you with ultimate comfort while you perform your day to day activities. Your doctor may also advise you to set a weight loss goal if you happen to be obese. Losing weight may help you lessen the pressure that’s being put on your feet. Heat and ice treatments have also been found to help with easing stiffness in the joints.
Staying active is also important. Low-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, and walking on even surfaces helps keep the joints moving and the surrounding muscles strong without placing excessive stress on the feet. Gentle stretching of the calves, ankles, and toes may improve flexibility. Shoes with a wide toe box, a stiff or rocker-bottom sole, and good cushioning can reduce the pressure placed on painful joints, and custom orthotics can help support the foot and control motion in arthritic joints.
How Our Podiatrists Diagnose Arthritis in the Feet
Because many foot conditions can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Your podiatrist will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and carefully examine your feet and ankles. They will look for swelling, tenderness, changes in foot shape, and reduced range of motion, and may watch how you walk. X-rays are commonly used to evaluate the joints and the space between the bones, and blood tests may be recommended when an inflammatory type of arthritis or gout is suspected.
Treatment Options for Arthritic Feet and Ankles
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to arthritis care. Your treatment plan will be based on the type of arthritis you have, which joints are affected, and how the condition affects your daily life. Options may include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections to calm painful flare-ups, physical therapy, bracing to support the ankle, and changes to your footwear. Custom orthotics are often a helpful part of treatment, as they can relieve pressure on painful joints and improve the way your foot functions.
When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, foot and ankle surgery may be considered. Depending on the joint involved, surgical options may include removing bone spurs, cleaning out the damaged joint, fusing the joint, or, in some cases, replacing it. Your podiatrist will explain the benefits and recovery involved so that you can make an informed decision.
For more information about the type of arthritis you’re experiencing and how to best treat it, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist for professional care.
