Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Waxahachie, TX

Find Arthritis Pain Relief With Our Waxahachie Foot Specialists

Do you have pain and stiffness in your feet or ankles? Do your toes not bend like they used too? If the answer is yes, you may have arthritis in your feet.

It is estimated that one out of every six middle aged person has arthritis in their feet. Being that each foot has over 30 joints, this is not surprising. Your feet absorb the brunt of the bodies shock with every step. This can add up to a lot of joint trauma when the average person takes 5,000 to 7,000 steps every day.

The good news is that your Waxahachie Foot Specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are experts at treating foot and ankle arthritis pain. There are several types of arthritis that commonly affect the lower extremity.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the foot and ankle. It often develops after age 30 and is frequently referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis.

Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions your joints begins to break down. As this protective layer deteriorates, the bones start rubbing against one another — sometimes described as “bone-on-bone.” This leads to:

Pain with movement
Joint stiffness
Swelling and inflammation
Reduced range of motion

Osteoarthritis commonly affects:

The big toe joint (hallux rigidus)
The ankle joint
The top of the midfoot

As the condition progresses, bone spurs may form. These can further irritate the joint lining and worsen pain and stiffness.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, improve motion, and slow progression.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune form of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.

RA is more common in women and frequently affects the small joints of the feet. In fact, approximately 90% of people with RA develop symptoms in the feet or ankles.

Symptoms may include:

Swelling and warmth in the joints
Morning stiffness
Pain in multiple joints
Progressive toe deformities

RA often occurs in cycles of “flare-ups” and periods of remission. Without proper treatment, ongoing inflammation can lead to cartilage destruction, joint instability, and deformity.

Although there is no cure for RA, modern medical therapies have greatly improved outcomes. Early diagnosis and coordinated care can help preserve mobility and reduce long-term joint damage.

Treatment For Arthritis in the Foot or Ankle

The goals of treatment are to:

Reduce inflammation and pain
Prevent further joint damage
Improve mobility and function

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation and pain. Other prescription medications may be recommended depending on the type of arthritis.

Supportive Footwear
Shoes with a rocker bottom sole (such as HOKA®-style shoes) can decrease joint pressure and improve walking comfort.

Custom Orthotics & Bracing
Orthotics redistribute pressure and support painful joints. In more advanced cases, ankle braces may provide additional stability.

Physical Therapy & Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles that support the foot and ankle improves joint stability and reduces stiffness.

Corticosteroids
These powerful anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed orally or administered as injections for faster relief during flare-ups.

Surgical Options

When conservative treatment is no longer effective, surgery may be considered.

Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive surgery to clean out inflamed tissue in mild to moderate ankle arthritis.
Fusion (Arthrodesis) – Permanently joins two bones to eliminate painful motion. Commonly performed in the big toe or ankle.
Joint Replacement – Replaces a damaged joint with an implant. Ankle replacement has become increasingly successful in recent years.

Experience Our Award-Winning Care for Arthritis in Waxahachie, TX, Today!

To learn more about our available treatments for arthritis, schedule an appointment today by calling us at 972-597-4132 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. We offer some same-day appointments and have bilingual Spanish-speaking professionals on staff for your convenience. During your appointment, our team will be happy to answer all your questions about our treatments, our office, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us! Call today – we can’t wait to help you live your life pain-free!

As the premier podiatry centers in Waxahachie, Corsicana and Ennis, TX, our foot doctors and team at Family Foot & Ankle Centers also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients in our surrounding areas. We proudly serve patients in Navarro and Ellis counties and surrounding areas including Red Oak, Midlothian, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Arlington and Mansfield. The Foot Specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Centers are improving lives one foot at a time.