Arthritis
Posted: September 1, 2016 2:36 pm
Arthritis is a condition that slowly wears away joints. It has been discovered in the remains of people living more than 500,000 years ago. In the beginning you may notice stiffness or aching. As the joint lining breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Bone spurs may develop and limit range of motion. Joints that have been injured are more likely to develop arthritis.
Fun Facts: Humans aren’t the only ones affected by arthritis. Dogs, cats and other animals can develop it too.
There are no sure fire ways to prevent arthritis however some simple steps may reduce your risk as you get older. For example: eating fish may reduce inflammation, controlling your weight, exercise (such as stretching to maintain range of motion and flexibility), and avoiding injury.
When your big toe is affected it often appears as a bunion, when the rear of midfoot joints are affected you will feel pain when you put weight on your foot.
If your symptoms are mild, medications may be enough to reduce pain and swelling. For more severe arthritis, surgery may be needed to improve the condition of the joint.
Fun Fact: Statistics suggest that more that more than half of people in their 60s and 70s have osteoarthritis that affects their feet and ankles. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in children.
Conservative care includes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS), cortisone injections placed directly in the joint can reduce swelling and relieve pain, bracing of the foot or ankle, orthotics, and taping.
Surgical care includes: trimming the bone if the damage is minimal or if the damage is more severe fusing the joint to prevent rubbing. This would include placing screws in to hold the bones in place.
During your visit you will experience a complete foot check that includes looking for skin melanomas which can occur due to sun exposure. We offer same day scheduling for your convenience. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
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