Arthritis is a common musculoskeletal issue that affects more than 54 million Americans. If you experience foot or ankle pain regularly, and it interferes with your quality of life, don’t wait to meet with an experienced podiatrist. At Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Maurice W. Aiken, DPM, works with people of all ages to diagnose and treat arthritis of the foot and ankle. To make an appointment at the practice in Dunedin, Florida, call the office today or schedule online.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases that cause your joints to swell and become stiff. If you regularly experience foot or ankle pain, it might be due to:
Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage — a soft, supportive substance that pads your joints. Without enough cartilage to provide a cushion, your bones rub against each other, resulting in pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints (synovium). Over time, the destruction of your synovium results in swelling, pain, and bone abnormalities.
Gout commonly affects men who consume high-protein diets. It causes uric acid to build up between the joints in your feet, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation of the big toe.
Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis include:
As arthritis worsens, you might also experience difficulty extending or putting weight on your joints.
Anyone can experience foot and ankle arthritis, but several factors increase your risk, including:
Your sex can also increase your risk of arthritis. For example, women commonly develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more susceptible to gout.
At Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Aiken diagnoses arthritis by reviewing your health history and asking about your symptoms, including their severity and when they first started. Next, he examines the joints in your feet and ankles, checking them for signs of swelling, redness, or warmth.
If a physical exam doesn’t provide enough information, Dr. Aiken might order additional tests like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging procedures can pinpoint the location, type, and severity of arthritis that you have.
Treatment of foot and ankle arthritis depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Dr. Aiken might recommend:
If conservative, minimally invasive treatments don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Aiken might recommend surgery. Thanks to advances in surgical tools and treatment techniques, most modern procedures are minimally invasive and don’t require a stay in the hospital.
To receive treatment for arthritis of the foot and ankle, make an appointment at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling the office today or scheduling online.
