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The leading cause of disability in the United States is arthritis, which can occur at any age. Arthritis, meaning "pain within a joint," is a term that is a term broadly used to refer to a number of different conditions. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available. It is important to seek podiatric care early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. People with arthritis are able to manage pain, stay active, and live fulfilling lives with proper treatment: conservative and surgical. What is Arthritis? A general term for a group of more than 100 diseases, arthritis involves inflammation in and around the body's joints. Pain, stiffness, and swelling can result from this inflammation. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, otherwise known as wear-and-tear arthritis which becomes more prominent as people age. Each foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints, making arthritis more painful as it is found in more joints. The most common foot joints that arthritis affects are: • The joint where the ankle and shinbone meet
• The three joints of the foot that involve the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
• The joint of the big toe and foot bone Some common symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis involve: • Tenderness or pain
• Reduced ability to move or walk
• Stiffness in the joint
• Swelling in the joint Conservative Treatment Depending on the type, location, and severity of the arthritis, there are many types of treatment available. Conservative, non-surgical treatment options often include: • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Custom-made shoe, such as a stiff-soled shoe with a rocker bottom
• An ankle-foot orthoses
• A brace or cane
• Physical therapy and exercises
• Weight control or nutritional supplements
• Medications, such as a steroid medication injected into the joint Surgical Treatment If your arthritis does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical treatment might be considered by your podiatrist. The choice of surgery will depend on the type of arthritis, the impact of the disease on the joints, and the location of the arthritis. There are times that more than one type of surgery may be needed, as well. Surgery performed for arthritis of the foot and ankle includes arthroscopic debridement, arthrodesis, and arthroplasty. The surgery performed for your arthritis will be determined by your podiatrist after proper diagnosis. Foot and ankle surgery can be painful, but it is important to keep your foot elevated above the level of your heart for one to two weeks following surgery. Your podiatrist may recommend physical therapy for several months in order to help you regain strength in your foot or ankle, restoring your range of motion. In most cases, surgery relieves pain and makes it easier to perform daily activities. Contact your podiatrist, Dr. Scott Basinger, in Charlotte, NC for further diagnosis and treatment of your foot and ankle arthritis. With proper care and attention, you can be on your way to minimal or no arthritic pain.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Scott Basinger of Ankle and Foot Center of Charlotte, a leading podiatrist in Charlotte, NC and Ballantyne. Offering a full array of services, including heel pain, ingrown toenails, foot pain, bunions and orthotics in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Basinger is qualified to treat any disorder of the foot and ankle for patients of all ages.
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