Arthritis

What is arthritis of the feet and ankles?

The feet and ankles contain more than 30 joints. Arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the joints, and can impact any of your foot or ankle joints. Treatment with Dr. Frank can ease bothersome arthritis symptoms and help you stay on your feet pain-free. 

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Those commonly affecting the feet and ankles include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. See Dr. Frank at the first sign of arthritis in your ankles or feet.

Which symptoms can arthritis cause?

Arthritis of the feet and ankles can cause the following symptoms:

• Stiffness
• Joint pain
• Decreased range of motion
• Swelling
• Joint tenderness or sensitivity
• Skin discoloration 
• Warmth near the affected joints
• Difficult mobility 

Arthritis symptoms often develop slowly over time. The stiffness in your feet and ankles may be more severe in the morning, after lying down, or after sitting for long periods. It might improve when you start moving around. Symptoms commonly come and go, but they may be constant. 

Arthritis symptoms might appear in your heel, ball of your foot, toes, arch, midfoot, top of the foot, or more than one part of your foot, as well as your ankles. 

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

The following may increase your risk of arthritis of the feet and ankles:

• Aging (being over 50)
• Being male (gout)
• Being female (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Immune system problems
• Previous foot or ankle injuries
• Excess uric acid buildup in the blood
• Smoking
• Family history of arthritis
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Being an athlete
• Having a physically demanding job

However, anyone can develop arthritis, and the exact cause isn’t entirely clear. Adopting healthy habits (not smoking, healthy weight management, etc.) may reduce your arthritis risks.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing arthritis with Dr. Frank requires an evaluation of your feet and ankles, review of your medical history, discussion of your symptoms, assessment of your gait, and diagnostic testing. Dr. Frank may recommend X-rays, an MRI, ultrasound, or a CT scan — as well as blood testing to evaluate uric acid levels, autoimmune diseases, or signs of an infection. 

How is arthritis treated?

Your customized arthritis treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Medications
• Orthotics
• Splints
• Braces
• Physical therapy 
• Heat or cold packs
• Cortisone shots
• Shockwave therapy
• Laser therapy 
• Minimally invasive surgery

Dr. Frank might recommend surgery to repair a joint if your pain or degeneration is severe and conservative treatments haven’t eased your discomfort. There’s no cure for arthritis, but you can effectively manage your symptoms with Dr. Frank’s help and reduce the risk of complications.

It’s helpful to eat nutritious foods, take dietary supplements if asked to, stay active doing low-impact exercises, and maintain a healthy weight. It’s also important to avoid tobacco products and wear comfortable shoes.

Schedule an arthritis evaluation with Howard Frank, DPM, by calling his office or requesting an appointment online today.