What causes arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a wide range of degenerative conditions — more than 100 — that lead to chronic inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and specialized protective linings in your joints. This painful condition often stems from:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Injury or overuse
- Bacterial or viral infections
You’re also more likely to develop arthritis if you have an unrelated chronic inflammatory condition, such as colitis or ileitis. In some cases, you can even develop arthritis as a side effect of taking certain prescription medications.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Pain and inflammation over the affected joint or joints are often the initial warning signs of arthritis. You may also experience:
- Redness or tenderness over the joint
- Difficulty walking or putting on shoes
- Abnormal joint alignment
If left untreated, arthritis can lead to deformities and long-term pain, so if you think you have arthritis, it’s important to visit your podiatrist.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Your dedicated practitioner at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. starts by reviewing your medical history and evaluating your current symptoms. Depending on the nature and origin of your pain, they may also check your reflexes and observe your gait.
They will often take an X-ray of your feet and ankles to confirm arthritic inflammation and rule out any other issues, such as a hairline fracture. Once your podiatrist better understands the cause of your symptoms, they develop your individualized treatment plan.
How is arthritis treated?
Whether you develop arthritis in your toes, ankles, or other lower extremity joints, rest assured you have plenty of options for treatment at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. Most treatment plans include a combination of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Functional custom orthotics
If these conservative measures don’t provide relief, you might need surgery. Depending on the severity of your joint degeneration, podiatric surgery for arthritis can involve removing bone spurs or damaged tissue.
In severe cases, you may need a total joint replacement. While you can develop arthritis in any of your joints, arthritis of the big toe joint is one of the most common issues the team at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. treat.
Book your arthritis evaluation at Associated Podiatrists, P.C. by using the online scheduling system or calling the office.
