Arthritis in Your Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Arthritis of the foot predominantly affects the joints and your foot has more than 30 joints. It causes painful effects in your feet if you have arthritis. However, arthritis can affect one or more joints. It is common in people over the age of fifty and it is common in women and overweight people.
Different kinds of arthritis that hurt your feet
Osteoarthritis: This mostly affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) at the big toe of the foot. This also affects the mid-foot and ankle.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This occurs on both feet affecting the same joints. It is different from OA which affects one specific joint.
Gout: It affects the feet only especially the big toe.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Often seen on the toes, causing sausage-like swelling. It causes inflammation of the ligaments and tendons attached to the bones. It may be confused with plantar fasciitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain in the Achilles tendon and the plantar fasciitis.
Post-traumatic arthritis: This happens after a bone fracture or dislocation and is noticeable after some years.
Causes of foot and ankle arthritis
The causes of foot and ankle arthritis vary depending on the form or type of arthritis. Most types of arthritis have been linked to a combination of different factors causing the situation to be unpredictable. For example, people who inherit the disease develop some arthritic conditions, but another factor such as smoking, infections, or injury causes a full-blown arthritic condition. Some possible causes, however, include
- Abnormal metabolism leading to pseudogout and gout.
- Degenerative arthritis caused by an injury
- Osteoarthritis is inherited.
- Immune system dysfunction.
- Lyme disease infection.
- Diet and nutrition can leave the body susceptible to the risk of developing arthritis. Some foods increase inflammation and worsen the symptoms of arthritis, such as highly refined sugars, animal-derived foods. Diets that have high purine, such as meats, seafood, and red wine can trigger flare-ups of arthritis, especially gout.
Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis
- Pain when you move.
- Tenderness in the joint, especially when you touch.
- Joint swelling with stiffness and swelling.
- The feet might be warm to the touch.
- Pain and swelling even after resting and sitting.
Risk factors
Some factors have been associated with arthritis, some are modifiable while others are non-modifiable. Some non-modifiable risk factors include sex, age, and genetic factors. Some modifiable risk factors include joint injuries, infections, overweight or obesity, and certain occupations, especially ones that require you to be on your feet most of the time.
Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with arthritis of the foot, chances are you feel pain with each step you take.
If this is the case, you may want to seek help from a foot and ankle specialist such as Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. She can provide you with the utmost care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The doctor will ask about your medical history then move on to conduct a physical exam. Then the doctor may refer you for an x-ray, MRI or CT scans to make a proper diagnosis.
Foot Arthritis Treatment
Treatment of arthritis varies when considering the causes and symptoms of arthritis.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to take down swelling
- Steroid medications can be injected into your joints.
- Pads, inserts, and arch support your feet.
- Braces or canes for support.
- Pain relievers.
- Physical therapy.
- Custom-fitted shoes.
Houston arthritis Surgery
Some patients require at least one kind of surgery to treat ankle and foot arthritis some surgeries include
- Joint replacement surgery, which is used in severe cases to take out the damaged cartilage and bone to replace it with plastic or metal parts. It is also known as arthroplasty.
- Fusion surgery, also called arthrodesis involves fusing bones together with plates, screws, pins, and platters. After they heal the bones remain joined.
Non-medical remedies for arthritis pain
- Wear shoes shaped like your foot.
- Seek shoes with good support.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes for more cushioning.
- Flexibility
- Proper fitting shoes
- Exercise helps your feet be more flexible, strong and pain-free.
- Creams with capsaicin or menthol, which stop the nerves from sending pain signals.
- Apply heat or cold in the inflamed area.
- Gentle exercises.
- Massage
- Acupuncture
