WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. In the feet, arthritis can lead to immobility. The human foot is comprised of over 30 joints and bear the impact of the entire body’s weight, so usually, it’s our feet that develop arthritis first.

There are two primary forms of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation, often affecting smaller joints, like the ankle or toe joints. Osteoarthritis is less dangerous but more common. It results from degeneration of the joints due to wear and tear over time.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS?

In general common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and muscle weakness. Often, they tend to become progressively worse. Other symptoms include:

• On-going joint pain and tenderness
• Redness, swelling, and stiffness in the joint area
• Growths, rashes, and other skin changes in the joint area
• Limited motion and stiffness of the join

HOW CAN ARTHRITIS BE TREATED?

For light cases, you can treat the pain caused by arthritis through rest, elevation, and immobilization to halt pain and allow damage to heal. In more serious cases, arthritis can cause severe deformities, which may require surgery. Here are the most common treatments:

• Physical therapy and exercise to increase strength and function
• Anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections prescribed by your doctor
• Massages
• Foot soaks and ice application
• Orthotics or prescribed footwear

If you do find an issue or are experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact a specialist right away.  Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and Dr. Keith Sherman, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.