What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term used in medicine meaning inflammation of a joint. You have 26 bones and 13 joints in each foot so therefore, your foot and ankle are commonly affected by arthritis which can be characterized as:
• Pain during movement of the joints of the feet
• Tenderness in and around a joint
• Redness or swelling around a joint
• In severe cases, foot deformity as a result of prolonged arthritis
Certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can present themselves in different ways, but the pain and complaint from the patient is similar. Many of these types can be identified on a simple radiograph (X-Ray) taken while at your appointment. Examples of some common arthritic conditions of the foot and ankle:
Gouty Arthritis – Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of needle-like crystals of uric acid in a joint. Commonly seen in the 1st or 5th Metatarsal Phalangeal Joints or even into the Distal Inter Phalangeal Joint. This arthritis is commonly brought on by a diet that is excessively high in Purine (Rich foods like nuts, red meat, and wine)
Treatment Options
Treatment options vary between the types of arthritis that a patient may be dealing with, as well as the severity of their arthritis. Options that can help alleviate painful arthritic conditions can be, injectables to help bring down inflammation, bracing to limit friction in affected joints, and as aggressive as joint replacement surgery to replace severely arthritic joints such as the 1st MPJ in relation to a bunion or even a Total Ankle Replacement.
Are you suffering with pain from arthritis? Find a Location and a physician near you and schedule an evaluation today.
