Posts for tag: Foot
Foot and ankle arthritis causes pain and disability.
Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who are trained to treat arthritis.
There are three main types of arthritis in the foot and ankle: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Dr. Superstein and Dr. Bouldin treat patients in Manchester and Tullahoma, TN.
Osteoarthritis strikes many people after years of activity. It is 'wear and tear' arthritis.
Also, overweight people and those with a family history are at greater risk of osteoarthritis.
The smooth edges of bones in joints become worn and frayed. As a result, movement of the joint becomes painful with inflammation and swelling. Without treatment, the symptoms worsen with time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects more than just joints. In this disease the patient’s immune system attacks and destroys cartilage within joints. There is usually genetic factors involved in rheumatoid arthritis, and many times there is a triggering event to start the disease, such as an infection or environmental factor. At this point, the immune system attacks the joint cartilage.
Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after a foot or ankle injury. Fractures that involve joint spaces and dislocations are likely to cause this type of arthritis. The injury to the joint can allow the arthritis to occur years faster than the usual age related arthritis.
Any joint in the ankle and foot can develop arthritis.
Symptoms of any type of arthritis are pain, tenderness, redness and swelling, decreased movement, difficulty walking or stiffness with first getting up.
In order to diagnose arthritis, your Podiatric Physician and Surgeon takes a medical history and physical exam, discusses any past injuries to your feet and ankles and takes x-rays when needed.
Other helpful studies include CT, MRI, bone scan and diagnostic ultrasound.
Treating arthritis depends on the type, location, and severity of the condition. There are surgical and nonsurgical options available for patients.
Nonsurgical treatments arthritis medications, orthotics, and AFO's (Ankle foot orthoses)
Physical therapy is sometimes an option.
If the arthritis pain does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery is an option. There are many new arthritis surgeries available.
Talk to Dr. Superstein and Dr. Bouldin about treatment options for your arthritis—they can truly make a difference in pain levels and your quality of life!