Arthritis

Do you have foot or ankle joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or limited range due to arthritis? At Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the experienced podiatrists offer effective treatments for arthritis of the foot and ankle at their offices located throughout Nebraska. Call the office nearest you to schedule an evaluation, or book an appointment online today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common chronic disease that affects your joints, including your finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and toe joints. It’s characterized by joint swelling, stiffness, and oftentimes pain when left untreated. Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons handles arthritis of the foot and ankle.

What are the different types of arthritis?

The common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that develops when your body’s immune system attacks joint linings, and osteoarthritis, which wears away cartilage covering the ends of the affected bones. Gout is a painful condition that usually affects joints in your big toe.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The hallmark symptoms of arthritis include joints that are:

• Painful
• Swollen
• Stiff
• Red 
• Warm
• Disfigured 

The affected joints may appear weak, with a limited range of motion or reduced mobility in some cases. The earlier you seek treatment for arthritis, the better your chance of reducing further joint damage and the pain associated with it.

What are the risk factors for arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect anyone, but the common risk factors include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Family history of arthritis
• Previous joint injury
• Sex

Gout is more common in men, while rheumatoid arthritis often affects women at a greater rate. Determining the type of arthritis you have allows your podiatrist to develop the most effective treatment plan.

How does my podiatrist diagnose arthritis?

Your Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons provider diagnoses arthritis after discussing your symptoms and medical history, examining your joints, and ordering diagnostic tests. They may recommend urine, blood, or joint fluid tests; X-rays; an MRI; a CT scan; or an ultrasound before tailoring your treatment. 

How is arthritis treated? 

Treating arthritis often involves making lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing medical procedures or surgery. Your podiatrist may suggest arthritis medicines, injections, physical therapy, braces, orthotics, ice or heat packs, or splinting. 

In severe cases, they offer foot and ankle surgery to repair, replace, or fuse a damaged joint. 

It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, take dietary supplements if asked to, participate in injury-specific exercises as directed by your specialist, and maintain an ideal body weight.

To get relief from foot and ankle arthritis and reduce the risk of further joint damage, call the Platte River Foot and Ankle Surgeons office nearest you or request an appointment online today.