What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a complex condition that affects your joints. To protect your joints and allow for smooth motions, you have cartilage that provides cushioning and bone protection.
But when you have arthritis, cartilage breaks down, inflammation increases, and bones start rubbing against one another, among other issues.
In most cases, old age and wear-and-tear lead to arthritis. This is known as osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that worsens over time. However, you can also develop arthritis for any of the following reasons:
- Autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Prior injury or trauma (post-traumatic arthritis)
- Poor kidney function, obesity, or poor diet (gouty arthritis)
It’s even possible to develop arthritis because of a serious infection, a condition known as septic arthritis. While arthritis can affect anyone, your risk is higher if you have a close blood relative who struggles with arthritis.
When should I see a podiatrist for arthritis?
Arthritis can be incapacitating and limit your range of motion, so you have a hard time continuing with normal daily activities. The compassionate providers at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center encourage you to schedule an arthritis examination if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty moving your joint without pain
- Redness or inflammation in or around the joint
- Pain and stiffness in the affected bone or joint
You should also come in to Ohio Foot and Ankle Center for an arthritis evaluation if you find that walking and standing are difficult because of your discomfort.
How does a podiatrist treat arthritis?
Your dedicated podiatrist at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center spends time examining you, checking your range of motion, and looking at imaging tests to determine the severity of your arthritis. Laboratory tests might be necessary, too.
Once your podiatrist diagnoses you, they counsel you about all of your arthritis treatment options, which may include:
- Prescription arthritis medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Supportive splints
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
If serious arthritic deterioration is present, surgery may be necessary. Your foot and ankle surgeon can remove and repair damaged cartilage and bone with minimally invasive tools.
But if you have severe ankle arthritic deterioration, you might need a total ankle replacement. Ohio Foot and Ankle Center podiatrists specialize in Stryker STAR™ and Wright Medical Group INBONE™ ankle replacements, among others, so you can expect to receive the most up-to-date surgical treatment available.
Before suffering from arthritic discomfort another day, get started on treatment at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center. Book your arthritis evaluation online or by phone with the office nearest you.
