Think you’re too young for arthritis? Don’t assume it’s something only older adults get — over 60 million Americans of all ages live with the joint pain and stiffness that this condition causes.
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center is here to help you understand how this condition affects your feet and ankles. Our expert team specializes in treating the various types of arthritis that can impact these joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, swelling, or stiffness in your feet and ankles, it could be arthritis. In this month’s blog, learn about the signs and symptoms as well as what you can do to regain comfort and mobility.
Your feet and ankles contain more than 30 weight-bearing joints that work together to help you stand and move. When arthritis develops here, simple tasks like walking to the mailbox or climbing stairs can become a painful challenge.
Let’s take a look at some common types of arthritis:
This is the wear-and-tear type of arthritis. Over time, the cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together when you move. Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in the big toe, midfoot, and ankle.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to mistakenly attack its own joint tissue. Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and they occur in the same joint on both sides of the body (symmetrical pain). Without proper treatment, joint deformities can develop.
This type of arthritis causes sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, typically in the joint at the base of your big toe. Gout attacks can be intense, often striking at night and disrupting your sleep with throbbing pain and extreme tenderness.
Linked to psoriasis, this form of arthritis doesn’t only affect the joints. It also causes inflammation where tendons and ligaments connect to bone, such as the back of the heel or the sole of the foot. If psoriatic arthritis is affecting your feet and ankles, your toes may swell and you may notice changes to your toenails, such as pitting or lifting.
Dealing with arthritis in your feet and ankles doesn’t mean giving up on the activities you love. You can take action to manage your symptoms and keep moving.
Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center offers a range of treatment approaches, including custom orthotics to support your feet and reduce stress on affected joints. We may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help manage pain and swelling or regenerative injections to promote natural healing.
For those with gout, dietary changes to lower uric acid levels can significantly reduce flare-ups.
If more conservative methods aren’t providing enough relief, we may explore surgical options, such as joint repair or replacement surgery. Addressing arthritis symptoms early can slow its progression and prevent further damage, helping you maintain your mobility and quality of life for longer.
For personalized advice on staying active with arthritis, see our team of experienced podiatrists at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center. Call or book online today to schedule an appointment in Phoenix or Maricopa, Arizona.
