According to a survey, 19.87% of middle-aged and older people complain about ankle and foot pain (Source). Is this concerning? Yes, it is, but unfortunately, people often ignore this pain unless it turns into something bad. Thus, instead of ignoring the pain, you can visit the best podiatrist in Kolkata.
Have you heard about foot and ankle arthritis? If not, then here is a detailed idea about it. Any form of arthritis that affects the joints in your feet and ankles is referred to as foot and ankle arthritis. As you age, these joints deteriorate naturally. After experiencing typical, lifelong wear and tear, many people develop arthritis. Certain illnesses and traumas can also bring on arthritis in the feet and ankles.
Do you know the various types of foot and ankle arthritis? There are four types of arthritis: foot and ankle. Let’s have a look at it.
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
Over 180 million patients in India below the age of 25 have osteoarthritis (Source). This is predominantly observed in females and is a significant issue resulting from the gradual wear and tear of joint tissues over time. The symptoms often develop progressively, highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
This condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system actively targets the joints, significantly impacting both feet and multiple other joints.
- Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis develops as a result of injuries such as fractures, sprains, or dislocations. It’s essential to recognize that this condition can manifest years following the initial trauma.
- Gout
The build-up of uric acid crystals mainly causes gout, and this has a high tendency to affect the big toe joint. The symptoms of this issue are sudden, severe pain and swelling.
So, there are some of the typical foot and ankle arthritis symptoms that people should be well aware of. If things get out of hand and you also feel pain in your heel, then heel bone pain treatment is the best solution that you need to opt for.
How is ankle and foot arthritis diagnosed? What are the symptoms that show us that you are dealing with it? If you do not have any idea about it, then after reading this article till the end, you will be able to understand that in detail. So, let’s start the topic without wasting much time.
Various Ways Ankle and Foot Arthritis Is Diagnosed
- Medical history
Doctors take a detailed medical history when diagnosing foot and ankle arthritis. They inquire about the onset of symptoms, affected areas, involvement of one or both feet and how symptoms impact your life.
Previous foot or ankle injuries, surgery, or diagnosed osteoarthritis elsewhere may indicate post-traumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis. If you experience unexplained pain and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis might be the cause. If things get out of hand, then you should visit the doctor for your heel pain reasons and treatment.
- Laboratory tests
The type of arthritis you may have can be determined by analyzing various bodily fluids. Blood, urine, and joint fluid are among the fluids that are frequently examined. Doctors clean and numb the area before sticking a needle into the joint space to extract some fluid in order to get a sample of joint fluid.
- Physical examination
Your doctor will mention your symptoms and medical history and then examine your foot and ankle for signs of arthritis like swelling, tenderness, or changes in shape, like bunions or hammertoes. They may also have you stand and walk to assess joint alignment and check if your symptoms limit your range of motion by asking you to point, flex, and rotate your foot.
- Imagining test
These imaging techniques effectively visualize the extent of joint damage and inflammation. X-rays allow doctors to clearly detect joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and alignment issues, making them invaluable for assessing osteoarthritis and advanced joint changes.
MRIs provide proper images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, proving essential for diagnosing early-stage arthritis or soft tissue involvement. In contrast, CT scans deliver cross-sectional images of bone, proving particularly useful for examining complex joint structures like the foot and ankle.
Now, let’s see the symptoms of ankle and foot arthritis in the following paragraph.
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Swelling in or around the ankle or foot
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Changes in the shape or alignment of the foot
Can people get rid of this traumatic incident? Actually, people can if they take precautions at the correct time. But if people are still unable to minimize the pain, then it is better to see a physician. Now, let’s discuss the treatment that you would definitely opt for if you have ankle and foot arthritis.
Various Ways to Treat Ankle and Foot Arthritis
- Surgery
Surgery for arthritis is typically recommended only for severe symptoms affecting quality of life and after nonsurgical treatments have failed. An arthroscopy may be needed for early-stage arthritis in the feet or ankles to prevent severe damage. Your provider will explain the necessary surgery and what to expect.
- Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, help reduce swelling and relieve pain. A cortisone shot involves injecting a steroid, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, into a joint with an anesthetic like lidocaine. While it can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation from foot and ankle arthritis, the effects are often short-lived.
- Lifestyle changes
Your physician might advise you to exercise, take specific dietary supplements, and lose weight. In certain situations, a physical therapist may use guided exercise and other methods to assist in relieving discomfort and restoring some lost mobility.
- Toe pull
Spread your toes and wrap a rubber band around each foot’s toes. Repeat the exercise ten times while holding this position for five seconds.
These are some of the most effective ways to treat toe and ankle arthritis.
Closing Thoughts
Hope this article will clear all your confusion regarding toe and ankle arthritis if you have such an issue and desperately need to visit the foot clinic near your location. Then, without hesitation, you need to see the CurFoot as this is the best foot clinic in Kolkata. We help you out no matter how complicated your case is. So, get an appointment with us now.
