More than 54 million American adults have arthritis, with many experiencing painful foot or ankle arthritis. At Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. in The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Gregory Stanley, MD, MBA, FAAOS, and the team expertly treat foot and ankle arthritis. They offer conservative and surgical treatment options to help you break free of arthritis limitations. To schedule a foot and ankle arthritis consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today.
What are the types of foot and ankle arthritis?
Foot and ankle arthritis usually takes one of the following forms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage, the joint padding, deteriorates over time. This causes bones to painfully rub together. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that occurs after a bone injury like a fracture, which can happen after a sports injury or other type of bone trauma.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system malfunctions, attacking the joint lining. This causes severe swelling, which can cause pain and joint deformity.
Gout
Gout is a complicated type of arthritis that happens when uric acid crystals build up and crystallize in your joints. It causes attacks of sudden-onset pain, swelling, and inflammation. The most common area for a gout attack is the big toe.
All types of foot and ankle arthritis can cause difficult symptoms, but highly effective treatments are available. The earlier that you recognize the symptoms of arthritis and start treatment, the more likely you are to regain full normal function.
What are the signs of foot and ankle arthritis?
Foot and ankle arthritis causes symptoms including:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Warmth
- Red skin
- Poor range of motion
With rheumatoid arthritis, you may also notice deformity within the affected joints.
How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?
At Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C., your provider performs a physical exam and testing to verify the type of arthritis you have. They create an arthritis treatment plan to maximize your mobility and minimize your pain.
Treatment starts with conservative care. Lifestyle changes can be important in arthritis symptom management, so your provider may recommend:
- Weight loss
- Activity modification
- On-site physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Footwear changes
- Bracing or other support device
- Prescription medication
If arthritis causes widespread damage in your joints, surgery may be the best treatment. Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. uses the most advanced minimally invasive surgery techniques to remove loose cartilage, fuse joints, or make other necessary repairs.
For the most severe cases of arthritis, you may need joint replacement to restore your joint surfaces with biocompatible components.
If you have pain, stiffness, swelling, and other possible signs of foot or ankle arthritis, don't wait to get the care you need. Call Cascade Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, P.C. or request an appointment online today.
