Foot Arthritis - NJ's Top Orthopedic Spine & Pain Management Center

Types of Arthritis That Affect Feet

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, many of which can strike without advance notice in an ankle and foot. While most forms of arthritis develop over a long period of time, the symptoms may appear suddenly. The two main types of arthritis that affect the foot include:

Osteoarthritis. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is usually associated with aging. The disease may develop when the cartilage in a joint wears away through overuse. Once the cartilage is gone, the bones in the joint rub against each other, causing inflammation and pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis. A chronic disease that continues to worsen, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can develop at any age. It occurs when your own immune system starts assaulting your joints, which causes swelling and pain. Symptoms often start in your hands and feet.

Arthritis also can develop after a foot injury. When this happens, it’s called post-traumatic arthritis. Each of the different types of arthritis can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. It takes a medical expert to determine which kind of arthritis you’re suffering from.

The Symptoms of Foot Arthritis

A foot joint affected by arthritis becomes painful and inflamed. Symptoms usually develop gradually, but it’s possible for them to appear to start suddenly. Symptoms in the foot from arthritis may include:

Swelling, redness and warmth
Increased pain with motion
Tenderness if pressure is applied
Joint stiffness and a decreased range of motion
Difficulty walking, standing or bearing weight
Crunching or cracking noise when moving the foot

The pain and swelling may feel worse in the morning or after sitting and resting for a period of time. Since there are 30 joints in each foot, arthritis may affect one joint or multiple joints. Your symptoms may make you believe you have something other than arthritis, such as a sprain, but that’s one more reason to seek a specialist from a medical practice like Redefine Healthcare.

The Causes of Foot Arthritis

Different types of arthritis have different causes. The risks of developing some types increase if you have a family history of arthritis. Other factors that can contribute to the development of foot arthritis include:

Smoking cigarettes

Obesity or extra weight

A sedentary lifestyle

Repeated stress on your foot joints from work or sports

Repeated strain injuries

An excessive use of steroids

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you have an autoimmune disease that your pain management doctor needs to address. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Flat feet and fallen arches create extra wear and tear on the foot joints, which may speed up the development of osteoarthritis.

Treatments for Foot Arthritis

To diagnose the cause of your foot pain, your New Jersey pain doctor does a thorough examination, checking the range of motion in your foot while looking for evidence of swelling or inflammation. Blood work or imaging studies may be needed. Once foot arthritis has been diagnosed, treatment can begin. Treatment of foot arthritis may include:

Anti-inflammatory medications

Pain medications

Steroid injections

Inserts to support your foot and ankle

Custom-made shoes or orthotics

Physical therapy

You need to minimize or eliminate the high-impact undertakings that aggravate the discomfort in your foot. You may be advised to lose weight, too, if appropriate. If a conservative approach to treatment doesn’t help alleviate your discomfort, surgery may be recommended, although this invasive procedure is always the last resort.

What Can I Expect if I Have Foot Arthritis?

If you’re experiencing foot pain or swelling that’s affecting your ability to complete normal everyday tasks, see a doctor or a specialist in pain management. Early intervention can help slow the progression of the condition, buying you time to take corrective action. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, surgery may be your only option to maintain your foot’s functionality.

In New Jersey, your best option is to visit Redefine Healthcare. Top-rated pain management doctors offer the most advanced pain management treatments available, whether you have foot pain, knee pain, hip pain or back pain. The medical team prioritizes non-surgical and interventional procedures. They have convenient locations throughout northern New Jersey. Contact Redefine Healthcare today.