Osteoarthritis, also called wear and tear arthritis, occurs as the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain and inflammation. This condition is typically associated with aging and may grow progressively worse over the course of many years. Because osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle can affect mobility, it’s important to understand your prevention and treatment options. Your orthopedic doctor can help you develop a treatment plan to minimize the symptoms of osteoarthritis so you can live a healthy and happy life.
How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Feet and Ankles?
Your feet contain a large number of joints—more than 30 joints, in fact—any of which can be affected by swelling and pain. However, arthritis most commonly affects certain joints in the feet and ankles: the joint that connects your big toe to your foot, the joint that connects your shinbone and ankle, and the three major joints of the heel, mid-foot, and outer mid-foot. If you develop osteoarthritis in these joints, you may experience pain or tenderness and swelling or stiffness in your feet. You may also have trouble putting weight on the affected joints or walking comfortably.
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated in the Feet and Ankles?
If you are suffering from the symptoms of osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, visit your orthopedic doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based upon your condition and needs. Osteoarthritis can be treated via both surgical and non-surgical means. Often, non-surgical treatments are sought first. These include custom pads or arch supports for the shoes, braces to support the joints, physical therapy to build strength and maintain flexibility. If non-surgical treatments do not alleviate your symptoms, orthopedic surgery may be suggested to relieve pain and restore comfortable movement.
Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine of NYC offers non-surgical and surgical treatment for arthritis, sports injuries, and more. You can reach our office by calling (347) 537-2404 to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced doctors. Check out our blog for more information about joint pain and treatment options.
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