When the Diagnosis is Arthritis

Arthritis is the nation’s number one cause of disability limiting the activities and productivity of 21-million working-age adult Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that one out of five Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, which means, “joint inflammation.” And as the aging population rises, so will those startling statistics. Still, people of all ages can be affected by arthritis, including children, and nearly two-thirds of those affected are under age 65. 

Symptoms of arthritis often manifest in feet often making podiatrists the first line of defense when it comes to treating this debilitating disease. Each foot has 28 bones and more than 30 joints. The most common foot joints affected by arthritis are the joint where the ankle and shinbone meet, the three joints of the foot that involve the heel bone, inner mid-foot bone, and outer mid-foot bone, and the joint of the big toe and foot bone.

In many kinds of arthritis, progressive joint deterioration occurs and the smooth cushioning cartilage in joints is gradually lost. As a result, the bones rub and wear against each other. Soft tissues in the joints also may begin to wear down. Arthritis can be painful and eventually result in limited motion, loss of joint function, and deformities in the joints affected. But early diagnosis and proper medical care can help significantly.

Osteoarthritis, or "wear-and-tear" arthritis, is the most common type, and its onset is usually gradual. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people age. Inflammation and injury to the joint cause a breakdown of cartilage tissues, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity.

Symptoms of foot and ankle osteoarthritis can include:

• Tenderness or pain, muscle weakness or deterioration

• Reduced ability to move, walk, or bear weight

• Stiffness and or swelling in the joint

• Nighttime pain

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, you may want to consult a podiatrist. Podiatrists treat osteoarthritis in several ways. Nonsurgical methods include:

• Steroid medications injected into the joints

• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the joints

• Pain relievers such as aspirin

• Custom orthotics or specially prescribed shoes

• Canes or braces to support the joints

• Physical therapy and weight control

For further information on arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org. To find a podiatrist in your community, please visit www.nyspma.org and click on the “Find a Podiatrist” button or call 866-996-4400. The New York State Podiatric Medical Association has over 1,200 members across 13 divisions in New York State.

WNY Resource:
Podiatry Affiliates, PC
3980 Sheridan Drive, Suite 208
Amherst, NY 14226-1727
716-839-3930
www.podiatryaffiliates.com
questions@podiatryaffiliates.com