Joint stiffness and pain are the primary signs of arthritis; these symptoms often worsen with age. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent kinds of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cartilage, the tough, smooth material that protects both ends of the bone where they come together to create a joint, deteriorates as a result of osteoarthritis. The immune system targets the joints in rheumatoid arthritis, starting with the protective covering of the joints.
Gout
Gout can be brought on by uric acid granules, which develop when your blood uric acid level is too high. Other forms of arthritis can be brought on by infections or underlying conditions.
Depending upon the kind of arthritis, the treatments differ. Treatments for arthritis primarily aim to lessen symptoms and enhance the quality of life.
Symptoms of Arthritis of the foot and ankle
Symptoms frequently include:
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Sensitive joints
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When you move, the joints hurt
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Having difficulty walking, moving, or bearing weight on your feet
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Stiffness and warmth in the joints
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Pain when you take steps after waking up
Risk factors for foot and ankle arthritis
Arthritis risk factors include:
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It runs in the family: If your family members have arthritis, you may be more likely to have it yourself as it is hereditary.
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As you grow older: Age raises the likelihood of developing several forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
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Arthritis in both men and women: Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, but gout, another kind of arthritis, is more common in males.
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Joint injury: People are more prone to develop arthritis in a joint that has been damaged, possibly while participating in sports, at a later age.
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Being overweight: Your knees, hips, and spine are particularly strained when you carry extra weight. Those who are obese are more likely to get arthritis.
Treatment
Conservative treatments whenever feasible are used to treat foot and ankle arthritis because they help to reduce pain and swelling. Many people discover that non-surgical methods are quite successful in lowering discomfort and regaining function and mobility.
There are several non-surgical ways to treat ankle and foot arthritis, including:
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Changing activity
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Using aids
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Injection of corticosteroids into the ankle and foot joints
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Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
Surgery may be advised if non-surgical methods are insufficiently relieving the condition. These choices will be discussed with you by your doctor.
Ankle and foot arthritis surgery
Surgery can provide life-changing outcomes to reduce discomfort and improve movement when your arthritic condition does not respond to conservative therapy.
At Bay Podiatry Associates, Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as ankle sprains, diabetic wounds, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, nerve pain, plantar warts, dry skin, and calluses. We provide excellent service for patients in the Bath Beach, Kings County section of South Brooklyn. Contact our office at 718-266-1986. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.