Arthritis is an overall term that means joint inflammation. There are around 100 types of arthritis with the most common being osteoarthritis. Because the foot is made up of about 26 bones and 30 joints, arthritis of the foot and ankle is common. The joints most likely to become arthritic are in the ankle, midfoot/heel, and big toe. Symptoms include pain or tenderness, difficulty walking, swelling, and stiffness in the joint. Non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle arthritis includes losing weight, using a cane or walker, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections. If you believe you may have arthritis in the foot or ankle, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who will begin by asking for your medical history, and then ask questions about the source of the pain and what may have caused it. A test called a gait analysis may be conducted, and X-rays may be taken. A chiropodist will then have the information needed to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
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Joint pain
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Joint stiffness
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Swelling in or around the joint
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Restricted range of motion
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Difficulty walking
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs