People often think arthritis affects only one joint, such as the knees or hips. Arthritis refers to approximately 100 joint-paining diseases and disorders. Hands, toes, feet, and ankles can pain, be stiff, or swell.
Arthritis causes joint degeneration and cartilage loss, causing bones to rub together. It causes discomfort, joint dysfunction, limited motion, and deformities. First, determine what type of arthritis or associated ailment you have to get the correct treatment.
Because the foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints, it is prone to arthritis and related conditions, particularly around the heel, ankle, and toes. Several types of arthritis affect the feet, including:
Foot pain can be caused by a variety of issues, so knowing the specific causes and symptoms can help you determine your condition. Arthritic foot pain affects people over the age of 50. Obesity, genetics, joint injury, joint shape, alignment, and other anatomical factors are also risk factors for the disease. Some of the most typical signs of foot and ankle arthritis include the following:
Seeing a doctor if you exhibit any of these arthritis symptoms will help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Your doctor may use imaging technology such as X-rays and CT scans to confirm that you have arthritis.
For pain relief, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis necessitate therapies and medications that regulate your body’s immune response. Getting the best arthritis treatment will help you find a cure before your condition worsens and causes permanent joint damage. When you should seek immediate medical attention because of:
The medical experts at Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute will help you determine the type of arthritis you have and get the best treatment options.
Pain in arthritic joints can be relieved surgically and non-surgically by doctors. The type of arthritis you have will dictate the type of treatment you receive. You should consult your doctor before attempting any treatment for foot and ankle arthritis.
They will give you the best advice on how to proceed with your treatment plan, as well as natural pain relief methods. There are several surgical options for treating foot and ankle arthritis, and depending on the severity of the disease, orthopedic surgeons may use more than one. They are as follows:
Doctors often recommend non-surgical treatment methods such as:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve joint swelling and pain. The drugs are available without a prescription, but consulting with a doctor before purchasing them will help you get the right dosage for your condition. The doctor could also prescribe medications that would provide treatment with the least number of side effects.
Moving around and sticking to an exercise routine can be difficult, especially if you have foot pain. Walking, cycling, swimming, or rowing are low-impact exercises that can help relieve pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness while maintaining joint function. A good exercise plan will also help you lose weight by making the muscles around your joints stronger.
Heat and cold therapies are anti-inflammatory treatments that can help relieve arthritis pain and keep joints flexible. Putting an ice pack wrapped in a towel on a sore joint can reduce swelling and provide immediate relief by narrowing the blood vessels and cutting off blood flow.
Because of the amount of pressure you apply to your joints as you gain weight, you are more likely to develop severe arthritis at a younger age. Inflammation is made worse by being overweight, which makes the pain of inflammatory arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis worse.
Custom-made orthotic inserts and braces can redistribute your body weight to different parts of your foot, reducing stress on the affected areas. They can change the way your feet work and make it hard to move, or they can give your feet more support and cushion.
Physical therapy can help you manage foot pain and improve strength while also increasing balance and reducing stress on your arthritic feet. A therapy program that includes both stretching and strengthening exercises will help your joints become more flexible.
Your shoes can either increase or decrease your arthritis pain. Wear supportive shoes that provide comfort while accommodating your stiff and swollen toe joints.
Dietary choices can contribute to health conditions like obesity and inflammation, which can aggravate arthritis pain. A plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole foods will provide you with antioxidants that will help you reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.
Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute’s medical experts have extensive training in the anatomy, function, and diseases of your feet. We understand your foot’s mechanism and are aware of the strains that can result from your daily activities.
Getting back on your feet is our priority, so we’ll do everything it takes to make sure you get the treatment you need. Reach out to us at 801-756-4200 to schedule an appointment and get the healing process underway.