The term arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis is severe inflammation of the joints and the supporting soft tissues. Arthritis becomes more common as one gets older. Joint degeneration due to arthritis can lead to inflammation, soreness, and changes to the shape and position of your ankles and feet. It is prevalent in the smaller joints and since there are numerous small joints in the feet, its impact on your foot and ankle health is severe.
Despite the lack of a cure for the disease, several options are available to prevent it from aggravating and alleviating its symptoms. Many patients with arthritis manage to live happy lives with the right therapy.
Three Main Types of Arthritis That Effect the Foot and Ankle:
Rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis are the three most common kinds of arthritis that damage the feet and ankles.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts various joints of the body and most commonly originates around the foot and ankle region. It is one of the more dangerous types of arthritis. In this condition, your immune system is what damages your joints.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Following a foot or ankle injury, post-traumatic arthritis can emerge. The most common traumas that cause post-traumatic arthritis are dislocations and fractures, particularly those that injure the joint surface. Post-traumatic arthritis, like osteoarthritis, leads the cushioning between the bones to deteriorate over time. It might take years or even decades for it to manifest.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis damages the bones causing excessive degeneration of bone and is a prevalent condition in middle-aged persons, although it can develop in younger people as well.
The soft tissue between the joints eventually wears away in osteoarthritis. The cartilage begins to deteriorate, and the protected area between the bones shrinks, causing friction and resulting in severe pain. Obesity and a family history of the illness, in addition to age, are risk factors for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis progresses gradually and worsens over time.
If you have arthritis in the foot and ankle, it is important to see a podiatrist right away to avoid complications.
At Auburn Foot Care Center, Dr. Brett Stark, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunions, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and pediatric foot care. We provide quality service and advanced technology care for patients in Lee County. Contact our office at 334-466-1401. We are in Auburn, Alabama. Our address is 1559 Professional Parkway. We also offer telemedicine appointments.
