Can You Get Arthritis In Your Feet and Ankles?
Yes, you can get arthritis in your feet and ankles. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available to slow the progress of the disease and relieve symptoms. Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation of your joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, many of which affect the feet and ankles. Each of your feet contains 28 bones and more than 30 joints that allow you to run, jump, pivot, and change directions. Unfortunately, these capabilities also make them susceptible to wear-and-tear damage, swelling, and, in some cases, immobility. The symptoms you experience depend on the type of arthritis you have. Have your doctor diagnose your condition to ensure proper care. With proper treatment, many people with arthritis are able to manage their pain, remain active, and lead fulfilling lives.
What Types of Arthritis Affect the Feet and Ankles?
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians diagnoses and treats three main types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, occurs when your cartilage begins to deteriorate and wear away. This causes your bones to rub up against one another, causing inflammation, stiffness, and general discomfort, causing your pain to become worse over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack your joints. Over time, it infiltrates your surrounding bone, cartilage, and tendons causing deformities and, in some cases, disability.
- Posttraumatic Arthritis: Posttraumatic arthritis is the result of an accident or injury to your foot or ankle. If you dislocate or fracture your ankle, the cartilage between your joints begins to wear away. If you injure one or more joints, you’re more likely to develop posttraumatic arthritis.
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians also treat gout, a type of arthritis defined by excess uric acid that usually affects your feet and toes.
How do you treat Arthritis?
Treatment for arthritis depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians use conservative, noninvasive measures of care whenever possible.
For example, if you have gout, there are medications that can control your uric acid levels and minimize pain. Family Foot & Ankle Physicians also offers custom orthotics. Custom orthotics ensure your foot and ankle joints are properly aligned.
If your pain persists or conservative measures of care don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. During orthopedic surgery for foot and ankle arthritis, your doctor replaces your damaged joint with a prosthetic. Foot and ankle arthritis is a common problem that requires treatment.
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians has a primary location in Greenville, servicing cities such as Greenville, Farmville, Ahoskie, Kinston, Winterville, Tarboro, New Bern, Edenton, Washington, Rocky Mount, with patients coming from throughout eastern North Carolina and beyond. To request your appointment, call our Greenville office today, talk to your doctor about a referral or use the online booking tool to schedule your visit.