Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical term that describes joint inflammation. However, arthritis is often a description of any condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, or stiffness. 

You can develop arthritis in any joint in your body, including your ankle and foot. Because your feet and ankles play an essential role in your mobility, arthritis in these joints may have a major impact on your quality of life.

What types of arthritis affect the foot and ankle?

There are many types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle. Some of the most common include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and develops from the breakdown and loss of cartilage in one or more of your joints. The degenerative arthritis may occur in your big toe, midfoot, or ankle.

Gout

Gout is a metabolic form of arthritis that occurs from the buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint. Gout may occur in any joint but often affects the big toe and causes severe pain and swelling. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the lining of your joints. This type of arthritis most often affects smaller joints, including those in your feet.

Hallux rigidus

Hallux rigidus is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the joint at the base of your big toe. It causes pain and stiffness that affects the mobility of the joint.

What can I expect during an arthritis evaluation?

When you visit the team at Sarasota Foot Care Center for an arthritis evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. The team takes a holistic approach to care, focusing on your whole health, not just arthritis in your foot or ankle.

During the evaluation, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and usual activities. They perform a physical and may request diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the type of arthritis causing your pain, such as blood work or onsite digital X-rays. 

How is arthritis treated?

Though there are many types of arthritis that affect the feet and ankles, treatment is similar for all. Your podiatrist creates a personalized treatment plan based on the location of your arthritis, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause of your joint pain.

Treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine-chondroitin sulfite
• Injection therapy (cortisone injections)
• Shockwave therapy
• Disease-specific medication (e.g., gout, rheumatoid arthritis)

In some cases, surgery may alleviate your arthritis symptoms. Surgical interventions may include reconstruction of the joint or joint fusion. Ankle replacement surgery may be an option for ankle arthritis.

Sarasota Foot Care Center is committed to helping you get relief from foot or ankle pain. Call the office or book an appointment online to get help with your arthritis.