Arthritis

Arthritis causes worsening pain and stiffness that can affect any joint, including those in your feet and ankles. If you have chronic joint pain that makes walking difficult, visit Stephanie Parks, DPM, and Justin Ward, DPM, at Bosque Foot and Ankle in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They use proven conservative treatments with surgery available for the most severe cases. Call Bosque Foot and Ankle or book online today to learn how to reduce arthritis pain and improve function.

What is arthritis?

More than 100 joint disorders come under the umbrella of arthritis. Three that commonly affect the foot and ankle joints are:

Gout

Gout develops when excess uric acid (a natural substance in certain foods) crystallizes in the joints. The crystals cause intense, stabbing pain attacks, usually in the big toe joints.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis — the most common form — develops after many years of joint wear-and-tear. Over the years, protective articular cartilage covering the bones inside your joints erodes, exposing raw bone. The bones catch and rub without protection, creating inflammation, pain, weakness, and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis causes your body to attack healthy joints. This abnormal immune system response breaks down the joint linings, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and distortion.

How does my podiatrist diagnose arthritis?

Diagnosing arthritis is typically straightforward, involving a physical exam, symptom review, and medical history evaluation. You might need blood tests to identify inflammatory markers and measure your body’s uric acid levels.

Your podiatrist may also order X-rays or other diagnostic imaging procedures to see the affected joints in more detail.

There’s currently no cure for arthritis, but you can manage the condition successfully with an accurate diagnosis and expert treatment.

What treatments help with arthritis symptoms?

Initial arthritis treatments typically involve taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation. You might need drugs to lower your uric acid levels if you have gout — dietary changes can also be beneficial.

Physical therapy helps to keep you moving. Arthritis pain can make patients reluctant to exercise, but keeping your joints mobile is vital to slow down the disease’s effects. If you don’t stay active, your joints will likely become weaker and stiffer sooner, causing significant disability.

As arthritis worsens, you might require corticosteroid injections. These drugs are potent anti-inflammatories that reduce pain for long periods.

Will I need surgery for foot and ankle arthritis?

Patients don’t usually require surgery for foot and ankle arthritis. However, those with severe arthritis experiencing continual pain and worsening joint deformity might benefit from the Bosque Foot and Ankle team’s surgical expertise.

Your podiatrist may repair or replace a damaged joint, restoring your range of motion and improving mobility. The team uses minimally invasive methods where possible to limit pain and help you heal faster.

Call Bosque Foot and Ankle to request an arthritis evaluation or book an appointment online today.