How Can Arthritis Affect My Feet or Ankles?

When you are diagnosed with Arthritis in your feet or ankles, you are living with a condition that causes inflammation. This can lead to swelling, stiffness and overall pain. Since arthritis can make it difficult for you to perform your everyday activities, it has the potential to lower your overall quality of life.

ABOUT ARTHRITIS

Podiatrists are health care professionals who can give patients the information they want and need when diagnosed with arthritis in the feet or ankles. A podiatrist is also known as a foot doctor, which means they know everything there is to know about diagnosing and treating foot-related problems. According to WebMD, arthritis is caused by inflammation, swelling and wear and tear on the joints. When it comes to podiatric treatment, physical therapy, medications and custom orthotics are common treatment options.

HOW CAN ARTHRITIS AFFECT THE FEET OR ANKLES?

Since there are a few different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being two of the more common, patients will need to be thoroughly examined by an experienced podiatrist in order to learn what type of arthritis is in their foot and/or ankle. The following is a list that describes how arthritis can affect the feet or ankles.

THE BIG TOE

Arthritis often tends to affect the big toe, specifically the base of the big toe where it connects to the metatarsophalangeal joint. It can also cause swelling in the big toe, possibly the rest of the toes, which can lead to one experiencing a great deal of pressure in one or more of the toes.

THE HEEL BONE

The part of the foot that is underneath or behind the heel is where the tendons attached to the heel bone. Those who are diagnosed with arthritis will often experience swelling and discomfort in the tendons and heel bone. When patients are affected by arthritis in this manner, it makes it difficult for them to stand and walk.

THE ANKLE JOINT

There are three bones that make up the ankle joint, the shin bone, the fibula and the talus. An arthritis diagnosis often directly affects the ankle joint, which in turn directly affects the three bones. Since these bones help to support one’s weight, it can make it very difficult for them to walk without experiencing pain.

TENDERNESS, STIFFNESS, SWELLING

Arthritis in the feet or ankles can cause someone to experience a great deal of tenderness, stiffness and/or swelling. These affect the quality of one’s life and make it much more difficult for someone to move around without experiencing discomfort or pain. It can even get to a point where it is difficult for someone to fully support their own weight.

ARE YOU LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS?

Ready to have an experienced podiatrist evaluate your feet and/or ankles? Whether you think you are living with arthritis or you have already been diagnosed with arthritis, understanding the current health of your feet is important. There are solutions and treatment options available to you to help you deal with any discomfort or pain you are currently experiencing. In order to find out what these options are, your first step is making an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

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