Arthritis is a medical condition that causes joint inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain. There are many different types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks otherwise healthy cells in the joints. Osteoarthritis, which is associated with aging, occurs due to wear and tear on the joints and their lining over time. Gout is another form of arthritis and is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood.

Can you get arthritis in your feet and ankles?

While arthritis can affect any joints in your body, it often affects the small joints of the feet, toes, and ankles. Symptoms of arthritis in the feet include joint pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth. It may be difficult to move the affected joints, which can make walking or bearing weight more difficult.

Does arthritis get worse over time?

Arthritis is a chronic condition. There are several different types of arthritis, and every individual case is unique. For some people, arthritis symptoms tend to get worse over time as the affected joints degenerate. For others, symptoms may come and go. You may be able to slow the progression of arthritis through lifestyle changes and following specific treatment plans.

Can anything be done to treat foot and ankle arthritis?

There are a variety of treatments available for foot and ankle arthritis. The typical goals of arthritis treatment are to slow the progression of the arthritis, manage symptoms, and maintain overall quality of life. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and wearing orthotics can be helpful. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce joint pain. In severe, advanced cases of arthritis, surgery may help restore function to damaged joints.

Is exercise good for arthritis?

Exercise is great for arthritis. People with foot and ankle arthritis should focus on increasing the strength and flexibility of their lower limbs. This will help maintain mobility and range of motion. Walking, aquatic exercises, gentle stretches, and yoga are all activities that those with arthritis may benefit from.

Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care Treatment | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX

Arthritic Foot Care

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a painful and sometimes crippling disease that afflicts millions of people. It causes swelling and inflammation in the lining and cartilage in joints.

Each foot and ankle has a total of 33 joints. This fact, along with having to bear the body’s weight, make feet and ankles more susceptible to arthritis and its painful, often debilitating symptoms.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can be caused by a number of factors including:

• Genes which predispose a person to arthritis

• Injuries that cause joint damage

• Old age which causes joints to get worn down

• Infections in joints that are viral, bacterial, or fungal

• Excess Weight that puts extra wear and tear on joints

• Jobs requiring repetitive movements or lifting heavy objects

Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms

Osteoarthritis. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis causes a degradation in the cartilage on the ends of bones, causing them to rub against each other. Symptoms may include joint pain, tenderness and swelling, a grating sensation, bone spurs, joint deformity and decreased mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis. This occurs when the body’s immune system attacks joint linings. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness or warmth in the joints and nearby tissues, fever, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Gout. When there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, needle-like urate crystals can form in joints which may cause flare-ups of severe pain, inflammation and redness in the joints, and a limited range of motion.

Tips For Arthritic Foot Care

Practicing the following arthritic foot and ankle care at home can sometimes help lessen the severity of symptoms like pain and stiffness:

Footwear. Wear shoes that are flexible, supportive, with proper arch support, low heels, cushioned soles, and plenty of room in the toe box.

Custom Orthotics. Custom-made orthotic devices can provide much needed support exactly where you need it, while preventing friction and pressure on sore spots.

Heat and Ice. Ice, creams, and heating pads can sometimes help increase circulation in the affected area, which may reduce symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide some relief, although they are not suitable for long-term use, nor are they a permanent solution to managing the disease.

Since arthritis is a complex disease, a podiatrist can provide professional techniques to ease your suffering and help you combat this painful and often debilitating disease.