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Arthritis is a general term for several types of diseases that can involve inflammation and swelling in and around your joints and the nearby soft tissue. In general, with most kinds of arthritis, the involved joint loses the smooth cushioning of the cartilage surface and as the result, the bones consisting of the joint rub against each other and wear down over time. This wear and tear process leads to painful motion at the joint and after some time the joint might lose its range of motion and not work properly.
Several types of arthritis can cause pain in your feet and ankles, including:
- Degenerative joint disease or Osteoarthritis is the most common type. This condition is age-related arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually causes changes over many years. The joints in the foot and ankle are the common area of osteoarthritis because they are very active in any movements you do.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. More common in women. In this disease, your immune system attacks the joint and destroys its architecture.
- Gout is another type of arthritis that involves men more than women. when your body has a buildup of uric acid from your diet, the crystals of uric acid deposit in the joint and destroy it. It’s most common in your big toe because it’s the farthest body part from your heart.
- Psoriatic arthritis is another type of autoimmune disease and can happen in multiple joints. It may also cause toe swelling of the toes and fingers called dactylitis.
- Post-traumatic arthritis happens after trauma that causes fracture and dislocation of your joint.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis are:
- Pain and swelling of the joint. It happens either during activities or after you rest
- Painful when you touch the joint
- Difficulty in moving of the joint and stiffness
- Trouble walking or putting weight on it
Diagnosis
- History and physical exam
- X-rays
- MRI or CT scans
Treatment
First of all we suggest to contact Florida Foot and Ankles Clinic and talk to their podiatrists
Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, your doctor will consider the following treatment options:
- Oral Anti-inflammatory and pain killer medications
- Steroid and non-steroid medications injected into your joints
- Physical therapy
- Shoe modification and arch supports in your shoes
- Walking assistant devices like Canes
- Braces for ankle joint support
- Activity modification plan