Arthritis Pain Treatment By Your Corsicana Podiatrists

Get Arthritis Care From our Corsicana Podiatrists

Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion in the joints of the feet and ankles. Because the feet and ankles contain numerous joints that support the body during standing and walking, arthritis in these areas can significantly affect mobility and everyday activities.

Several types of arthritis can affect the foot and ankle, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that develops following an injury. Symptoms and treatment can vary depending on the joints involved and the type and severity of arthritis.

At Family Foot & Ankle Centers, our Corsicana podiatrists evaluate foot and ankle arthritis to determine which joints are affected and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment may include nonsurgical options to reduce pain and improve function, with surgical treatment considered when appropriate.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and develops as the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones within a joint gradually wears down. As this cartilage deteriorates, the joint may become painful, stiff and swollen, making walking and other activities more difficult.

Osteoarthritis can affect several joints in the foot and ankle. The joint at the base of the big toe is a common location, where arthritis may cause pain and stiffness when the toe bends and sometimes a bony prominence around the joint. Previous injuries, abnormal foot mechanics and years of stress on the joints may also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis can impact any joint in the body. In the foot, the big toe is most commonly affected. You may notice a bump at the base of the toe and pain when the big toe bends. At times, the jont may also become red, warm and swollen.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the foot or ankle can vary depending on which joints are affected and how advanced the condition has become. Common symptoms may include:

• Joint pain that may become worse with walking, standing or other activity
• Stiffness, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity
• Swelling or tenderness around the affected joint
• Reduced range of motion, making it more difficult to move the foot, ankle or toes normally
• Difficulty walking or participating in activities because of pain or stiffness
• Changes in the shape of the joint, including bony enlargement that may develop as arthritis progresses

Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. If persistent foot or ankle pain is affecting your mobility or daily activities, an evaluation can help determine whether arthritis or another condition is responsible.

 What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which primarily involves degeneration of joint cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect multiple joints throughout the body.

The feet and ankles are commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness, often involving both feet. Morning stiffness may also last longer than it typically does with osteoarthritis.

Over time, persistent inflammation can damage the joints and surrounding tissues and may contribute to changes in the shape and function of the feet. Podiatric care can help manage foot and ankle symptoms and address problems that develop as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is Post-traumatic Arthritis in Ankles?

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to a joint in the foot or ankle. Fractures, severe sprains, ligament injuries and other joint trauma can damage cartilage or change the way forces are distributed across the joint, increasing the risk of arthritis over time.

Symptoms may not develop immediately after the original injury. In some patients, arthritis appears months or even years later and may cause increasing pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced range of motion in the affected joint.

When evaluating foot or ankle arthritis, your podiatrist will consider previous injuries as well as your current symptoms and examination findings. Diagnostic imaging may also be used to evaluate the affected joint and determine the extent of arthritic changes.

How Is Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treated?

Treatment for foot and ankle arthritis depends on the type of arthritis, the joints involved, the severity of the joint damage and how much your symptoms affect walking and daily activities. Treatment is individualized with the goals of reducing pain, maintaining joint function and helping you remain active.

Many patients can initially be treated with nonsurgical options. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Supportive footwear – Shoes with appropriate support and cushioning can help reduce stress on painful joints. Rocker-bottom shoes may be helpful for certain arthritic joints by reducing painful motion during walking.
• Custom orthotics – Prescription orthotics can improve foot mechanics, redistribute pressure and reduce stress on affected joints.
• Bracing – A foot or ankle brace may provide additional support and limit painful motion in an arthritic joint.
• Activity modification – Adjusting activities that repeatedly aggravate the affected joint may help reduce pain while allowing you to remain active.
• Physical therapy and exercise – Appropriate exercises may help maintain joint mobility, improve strength and reduce stiffness.
• Anti-inflammatory measures – When appropriate, medications or other measures may be recommended to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections – For certain painful or inflamed joints, a corticosteroid injection may provide temporary symptom relief. Your podiatrist can determine whether an injection is appropriate for your individual condition.

If arthritis continues to cause significant pain or loss of function despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, surgical options may be considered.

Arthritis Care at Our Other Locations

Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provides foot and ankle arthritis care at our Waxahachie and Ennis offices. Learn more about arthritis treatment in Waxahachie or arthritis treatment in Ennis, or visit our main foot and ankle arthritis page for additional information about arthritis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

• arthritis treatment in Waxahachie → Waxahachie arthritis page
• arthritis treatment in Ennis → Ennis arthritis page
• foot and ankle arthritis → Main arthritis page

Schedule an Appointment for Foot & Ankle Arthritis in Corsicana, TX

To learn more about our available treatments for arthritis in Corsicana, schedule an appointment today by calling us at 903-872-9910 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. Call today – our foot doctors are improving lives one foot at a time.

Since 1999, Dr. Jeffrey Petty has provided 5 star podiatry care in Corsicana, TX. Dr. Fernando Cruz and Dr. Silpa Joy also see patients at the Corsicana location. We treat all foot problems and specialize in heel pain, ingrown toenails, fractures, and sprains. Treating patients in Navarro county and surrounding areas such as Ennis, Blooming Grove, Kerens, Mexia, and Fairfield.  As the premier podiatry center in Corsicana, TX, our foot doctors and team will get you pain free and back to doing the things you love!