Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint pain and inflammation. If left untreated, arthritis can severely damage joints and feel debilitating. 

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis associated with aging or an injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. Gout often affects your big toe and is a painful type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Common signs and symptoms of foot or ankle arthritis include:

• Stiffness
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Decreased range of motion

These and other symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe or debilitating. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and your risk of severe joint damage.

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Common risk factors for developing arthritis include a family history of arthritis, older age, obesity, and having a previous joint injury. 

Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while gout is more common among men. Over time, arthritic joints may become deformed or twisted, making it difficult to walk comfortably and complete everyday tasks. 

How does my podiatrist diagnose arthritis?

To find out if you have arthritis that affects foot or ankle joints, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical examination to evaluate lower extremity joints for redness, warmth, swelling, and stiffness. 

Your podiatrist may ask you to move your joints and undergo blood tests, urine tests, joint fluid analysis, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays.

What are common arthritis treatments?

Common treatments for arthritis include:

Home care

At-home treatments that can relieve arthritis symptoms include regular exercise, weight loss, shoe inserts or orthotics, assistive devices, and a combination of heat packs and cold packs. Wearing a brace or splint might help too.

Medications

Medications often reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Medicines can also prevent the worsening of arthritis and severe joint damage.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises and stretches can optimize range of motion and strengthen tissues surrounding your joints.

Injections

Steroid injections can reduce painful inflammation in your joints.

Surgery

If conservative treatments haven’t worked, your podiatrist can surgically repair, replace, or fuse joints to restore your mobility and range of motion. They use the most advanced technology and procedures available.

Don’t live with foot or ankle arthritis pain when simple treatments can offer you relief. Schedule an appointment with Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, PC, by phone or book online today.