When you think about arthritis, stiff knees and achy hands may come to mind, but the feet and ankles are just as vulnerable. With more than 30 joints between them and constant daily use, your feet and ankles are prime targets for joint pain and inflammation.
Do you have arthritis in your feet or ankles? During Arthritis Awareness Month, our podiatrists, Dr. Jordan Katz and Dr. Richard Hochman at Katz Regenerative Foot and Ankle in Coral Gables, Florida, share some of the signs and symptoms and when it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Arthritis means joint inflammation that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It’s not a single disease but a category of conditions with various causes. Some of the most common forms of arthritis that affect the feet and ankles include:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, resulting in joint pain due to loss of the cartilage cushion that separates the bones of a joint. This is the most common type of arthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints like the ankle.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joint, causing inflammation and damage. This type of arthritis often affects the smaller joints first, like those in the toes and feet.
Gout is a metabolic arthritis due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. The sharp crystals most often settle in the feet, especially the big toe, causing sudden and severe pain and swelling.
Signs and symptoms help us determine the cause of your arthritis so we can develop the most effective treatment plan.
Early signs and symptoms of feet or ankle arthritis vary and depend on the underlying cause. Signs to watch out for include:
You may also notice more stiffness in the joints when you wake up in the morning or after sitting for an extended period of time
Occasional mild pain in your feet or ankles may not seem like a big deal, but if the pain is persistent, even if the pain is mild, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Early interventions may slow the progression and improve your quality of life.
At Katz Regenerative Foot and Ankle, we conduct thorough evaluations to find the cause of your joint pain and stiffness. We review symptoms and medical history, examine your feet and ankles, and take X-rays to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.
We may also order lab work if we suspect you have gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
Once we identify the underlying cause of your joint pain, we create a personalized treatment plan to manage it. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and an exercise routine. You may also benefit from disease-specific medication.
We may recommend custom orthotics or suggest platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections depending on the type of arthritis you have.
Your daily habits play a key role in managing your arthritis. We don’t recommend complete rest of the affected foot or ankle, but you may need to avoid high-impact activities like running or basketball during flare-ups.
Here are a few ways to manage your foot or ankle arthritis at home:
Arthritis can affect your mobility, comfort, and quality of life. If you’re noticing symptoms, don’t wait. Let us help you find relief and keep you moving comfortably. Take the first step toward pain-free feet by calling us today or requesting an appointment online.
