Arthritis
Arthritis of the foot and ankle occurs as a result of inflammation of the joints, which causes pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected areas. This condition may affect various parts of the body including the neck, back, hands, wrists, and ankles. If you suffer from arthritis of the foot and ankle, you would have limited mobility and simple daily activities such as walking or even standing would become difficult. It is important to be aware of symptoms of arthritis and all the different types of arthritis as seeking treatment is essential for reducing pain and a better quality of life. Fortunately, arthritis of the foot and ankle can be treated by specialists like Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York with locations in Manhattan and Long Island.
Throughout our foot and ankle, there are 30 joints combined that are made up of bones covered with cartilage, enabling movement. In our feet and ankles, a synovial membrane lubricates the cartilage to avoid friction between the joints. When arthritis occurs, the cartilage, synovium, and bones are all affected. There are many different variations of arthritis, but three of the most common are:
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Osteoarthritis
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Posttraumatic Arthritis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative problem that typically progresses slowly and results from the wearing of the cartilage between joints. Consequently, Posttraumatic Arthritis results in the wearing of the cartilage between joints but is caused by a sudden injury such as an ankle sprain, broken bone, or fracture. On the other hand, Rheumatoid Arthritis results in inflammation of the synovium and leads to damage of the bones and cartilage between joints. In Manhattan and Long Island, comprehensive treatment of the foot and ankle is available for all variations of arthritis.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for arthritis, but there are various treatment options available. Some non-surgical treatments include medications such as steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medications to temporarily reduce pain and stiffness. Furthermore, physical therapy and weight loss is recommended. More specifically, devices such as a brace, cane, or foot pad inserts can also help with minimizing pressure on the foot and ankle. Lastly, if patients do not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be necessary. For more information, your doctor can determine if surgery would be most effective, depending on what kind of arthritis you have and how severe it is.
Expert treatment for arthritis of the foot and ankle in Manhattan and on Long Island is available to help you at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York. Our highly skilled podiatric doctors assist patients of all ages and will help diagnose your condition and determine what specific course of treatment will be most effective for you. If you or someone you know is suffering from arthritis or stiffness, pain, and limited mobility, contact us today for effective treatment and expert care. We look forward to hearing from you!
