Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and the swelling of the soft tissue. This is extremely common in adults over the age of 60 and over 60 million people are living with arthritis. Despite being so common, arthritis can cause debilitating pain and can prevent you from doing the things you love.

Arthritis commonly develops in the foot and ankle since these joints are so heavily used. When we walk, we put all of our weight onto our feet, causing the cartilage to wear out. Without this, our bones rub against each other. With time, our joints begin to swell and simple movements such as walking may become difficult.

There are over 100 different types of arthritis and each of them affects the joints differently. If you are interested in learning more about arthritis and its effects on the body, continue reading.

Types of Arthritis

The following are two of the most common types of arthritis. If you are interested in learning more about other types of arthritis, get in touch with our team at BEST Health System to see what treatments and therapies we offer!

Osteoarthritis: This form of arthritis is the most common form. It typically develops over time through wear and tear. Healthcare professionals may also refer to this as degenerative joint disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious form since it is an autoimmune disease that attacks soft tissue.

Causes of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Although the exact cause of foot and ankle arthritis is unknown, it is typically a result of natural wear and tears. When we walk, run, or jump, we put stress on our joints, causing the tissue to break down. Without this tissue, the bones will rub together, causing the joints to become inflamed and swell.

Another potential cause of arthritis is injury. Even after an injury, it could take up to a few months for arthritis to develop. Injuries such as sprains and fractures can lead to individuals developing arthritis.

Individuals with flatter feet are more likely to develop a condition like arthritis since there is less stability in the ligaments. However, individuals with high arches may also suffer similar symptoms due to the lack of mobility.

Treatment Options

Arthritis is not a curable condition. However, with a special treatment plan, there are ways to control the pain. Typically, medical professionals will recommend treatment through conservative options. Some of these options include:

Physical therapy
Bracing
Steroid injections

In some cases, surgery may be the only option. If this is the case the surgeon will meet with the patient so they can decide on the surgical option that they are most comfortable with.

Symptoms

People with arthritis in the foot and ankle will experience their symptoms in different ways. Some of the common symptoms of this condition include:

Pain in the joints
Trouble walking
Swelling

If you are experiencing any severe symptoms, it is important to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional to ensure your symptoms are being well cared for!

Reach out to BEST Health System

If you are living with arthritis in your feet or ankles, get started on your path to recovery today. Get in contact with BEST Health System and take that first step, we’ll take it from there.