Arthritis in the feet and ankles can cause swelling and pain, deformity, loss of joint function, and loss of mobility. While previous generations had to accept this as a normal part of aging, a surge of new therapies and surgical treatments is offering today’s patients both hope and relief. For the best outcomes, however, foot and ankle surgeons recommend early intervention.
“When it comes to arthritis, it’s important not to just endure the symptoms or live with the pain,” says Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “Early treatment is not just about relieving symptoms sooner. In many cases, we can even slow the progression of symptoms and use less invasive procedures to treat the condition than we would otherwise.”
Understanding the early warning signs of arthritis, the progression of different forms of the disease, and the new treatments available is crucial for obtaining the right treatment and managing your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the deterioration and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints.
A common area where osteoarthritis occurs is the big toe. The big toe allows you to walk and run upright, absorbing forces equal to nearly twice your body weight while walking. With everything it supports, it’s no surprise that overuse can erode the cartilage, causing intense pain and even physical deformities. However, many people confuse big toe arthritis, also known as hallux rigidus, with bunions.
Early signs of hallux rigidus include pain and stiffness during use, or in cold and damp weather, difficulty with activities such as running and squatting, and swelling and inflammation around the joint. Additional symptoms may develop over time, including pain at rest, bone spurs, limping, and dull pain in the hip, knee, or lower back due to changes in gait.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a foot and ankle surgeon. Conservative treatments such as footwear modifications, orthotic devices, and physical therapy can prevent or delay the need for surgery. If you have moderate to advanced stage arthritis in the foot or ankle, you may need to take the next steps, such as innovative cartilage regeneration treatment, implant surgery, or surgical removal of damaged cartilage and spurs, all with quick recovery times.
“People with this disorder tend to suffer much longer than they need to,” says Dr. Butto. “They are often pleasantly surprised to find out that their problem can be fixed.”
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which certain immune system cells malfunction and attack healthy joints. Foot problems caused by RA commonly occur in the ball of the foot near the toes, although RA can also affect other areas of the foot and ankle. The most common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking, along with a range of deformities, including rheumatoid nodules, displaced toe joints, hammer toes, bunions, heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, and ankle pain with flatfoot.
As part of a team that includes a primary care physician or rheumatologist, your foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving associated pain, which may include orthotic devices, accommodative footwear, aspiration of fluid buildup, and steroid injections. When RA causes pain and deformities in the feet that are not relieved by other treatments, surgery may be necessary.
“Listening to your body and consulting a foot and ankle surgeon is so important. With today’s scientific advances, treatment can reduce pain and restore your previous mobility, strength, and functionality,” says Dr. Butto.
For more information on arthritis in the feet and ankles or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the educational website for patients of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: StatePoint