Arthritis

Symtoms

Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet it is important to see a doctor of podiatric medicine if any of the following symptoms occur in the feet:

Swelling in one or more joints

Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint

Redness or heat in a joint

Limitation in motion of joint

Early morning stiffness

Skin changes, including rashes and growths

Possible Causes

Injury is a prevalent cause of athritis. Athletes are prone to it, and so are those who ignore injuries.

Bacterial and viral infections can cause inflammation and get into the joints. An example of these organisms would be those responsible for pneumonia or staph infections.

Bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis, can bring on arthritic conditions in the joints of the ankles and toes.

Prescription and illegal drugs can also cause arthritis.

Diseases that affect and considerably weaken the immune system can bring the onset of arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis
It's the most common form of arthritis. Its properties are more or less wear and tear of the joints. It can be sudden through injury, or happen gradually (which is usually the case). The pain gets worse as we age, because cartilidge breaks down. Thickening of bone and development of bone spurs occur below the joint surface and around the joint can also occur. Obesity makes this type a particular problem.

Rheumatoid arthritis
The most crippling and serious type of arthritis. Not only does it affect joints, it can affect the organs such as the eyes, heart, and nervous system. Not only will it affect one hand or one foot, it will affect both. It can have an active phase where the patient suffers pain and other symptoms, then go away. Women are most likely to acquire this disease. Joints are often deformed.

Gout
See gout

Treatment

Relieving pain, controlling inflammation, and making sure that joints continue to function are the goals of treatment...First and foremost, patient education is crucial. What to do, and not to do can make the difference.

The feet are a large target of arthritis because of excessive use, and the weight they bare every day. A podiatrist is most likely the first doctor to hear about the complaints of pain in their feet. Bunions can even be a form of arthritis.

Medication (and there is a wide variety of them) is a source of treatment for pain or to relieve inflammation. As individual the case of arthritis can be, so can the right type of medication.

Physical therapy and exercise may also be suggested by a doctor depending on the severity of the pain.

You will find that most patients afflicted with arthritis in the feet or even legs wear orthotic devices/braces, or specially prescribed shoes. It helps with stability, therefore a lower occurance of inflammation.

Surgery is also possible as a treatment but often the last resort. Some procedures involve replacing damaged joints with artificial ones.