Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, a condition that affects over 50 million Americans. There are many different types of diseases that describe arthritis, but the most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since the foot has 33 joints and their associated tissues, it is not surprising that it can be more susceptible to arthritis and cause a lot of pain than other parts of the body.

Osteoarthritis

OA, often called the “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common type, which can affect the hips, knees, spine, hands and fingers, as well as ankles. Usually the symptoms start gradually with pain after exercise, then progresses to dull, throbbing pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, and stiffness after rest. Walking may become difficult as aging and associated deterioration in the muscles and cartilage occurs, which can lead to bone spurs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA, a more severe type of arthritis, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation in the joint lining. It usually affects the smaller joints in the body, causing pain, morning stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and weight loss. It is also characterized by alternating between flare-ups and periods of remission during which inflammation and pain go away.

Treatment

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, the first step is to see an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico at Syracuse Podiatry who can help determine whether or not you have arthritis. Dr. D’Amico, a board-certified foot specialist, has treated patients all across the Syracuse area and has helped many who suffered from painful joints. Using state-of-the-art technology, Dr. D’Amico can assess and treat your individual conditions accurately and will work on a treatment plan with you. For arthritic conditions, he may recommend:

• Medication to treat pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics or braces
• Surgery

If you have any concerns or questions about arthritis, sports injuries, diabetic foot care, or any other foot and ankle condition, please contact us or call our office in Fayetteville, NY at (315) 446-3668 to make an appointment!