Arthritis Treatment
Foot and ankle arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and deterioration of the joints in the foot and ankle, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. At Axis Foot & Ankle, your trusted podiatrist near you, our doctors provide a comprehensive approach to managing foot and ankle arthritis to alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and enhance your quality of life.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we offer:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Purpose: Determine the extent and severity of arthritis in the foot and ankle.
- Description: Your podiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include physical examination, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI), and possibly blood tests to assess inflammation levels.
2. Conservative Treatments:
a. Medications:
- Purpose: Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Description: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joints can provide temporary relief.
b. Physical Therapy:
- Purpose: Improve joint mobility, strength, and function.
- Description: A physical therapist will design a customized exercise program focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle joints. Range of motion exercises and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may also be used to reduce pain and stiffness.
c. Orthotic Devices:
- Purpose: Provide support and relieve pressure on affected joints.
- Description: Custom orthotic inserts or shoe modifications can help redistribute pressure away from arthritic joints and improve foot alignment. Ankle braces or supports may also be recommended to stabilize the ankle joint and reduce pain during activities.
d. Footwear Modification:
- Purpose: Reduce stress on arthritic joints and improve comfort.
- Description: Choosing supportive, well-cushioned footwear with a wide toe box can help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility. Your podiatrist can provide recommendations based on your specific foot structure and arthritis symptoms.
e. Assistive Devices:
- Purpose: Reduce strain and improve mobility.
- Description: Using assistive devices such as a cane or walker can help reduce weight-bearing stress on arthritic joints and improve balance and stability during walking.
3. Advanced Treatments:
a. Intra-Articular Injections:
- Purpose: Provide targeted pain relief and improve joint function.
- Description: Cortisone injections help by reducing pain and improving mobility in certain cases of foot and ankle arthritis.
b. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:
- Purpose: Stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
- Description: PRP injections use concentrated growth factors from your own blood to promote healing and reduce pain in arthritic joints.
c. Surgery:
- Purpose: Address severe joint damage or deformity.
- Description: Surgical options such as joint fusion (arthrodesis) or joint replacement (arthroplasty) may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms and improve joint function. Your podiatrist will discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of surgery based on your individual condition.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
- Purpose: Manage symptoms and improve overall joint health.
- Description: Your podiatrist will provide guidance on maintaining a healthy weight, adopting joint-friendly exercises (such as swimming or cycling), and implementing strategies to protect joints from further damage.
5. Patient Education and Self-Management:
- Purpose: Empower patients to actively participate in their care.
- Description: Educating patients about arthritis, its progression, and self-management techniques (such as proper foot care, pain management strategies, and recognizing early signs of flare-ups) is essential for long-term management and quality of life improvement.