Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of your joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Arthritis afflicts nearly 40 million Americans and can be a disabling and occasionally crippling disease. Osteoarthritis can be very painful.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s degenerative and caused by wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also common, but is caused by an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the joints, causing pain, disability, and inflammation.

Arthritis is most common in people over 50, and while the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, people of all ages can develop the condition. Arthritis of the feet can result in loss of mobility and independence, but you may avoid disability with early diagnosis and proper medical care.

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What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is related to various illnesses. Some forms of arthritis are hereditary, while others may be the result of earlier trauma — notably in athletes and industrial workers — particularly if a patient ignores the injuries, as tends to be the case with most foot injuries.

Other causes of arthritis in the ankles and toes include:

• Bacterial and viral infections that strike the joints

• Bowel disorders such as colitis and ileitis, frequently in the joints of the ankles and toes

• Drugs, both prescription drugs and illegal street drugs

• Congenital causes

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What are the symptoms of arthritis?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with the experts at West Morris Foot and Ankle:

• Swelling in one or more joints

• Redness or heat in a joint

• Limited motion of a joint

• Early morning stiffness

• Skin changes, including rashes or growths

• Recurring pain or tenderness at a joint

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How is arthritis treated?

The goal of treatment is to control inflammation and preserve or restore joint function. Potential therapies include:

• Physical therapy and exercise

• Medication (steroid injections, oral medications, topical medications)

• Shoe inserts

Surgical intervention may be the last resort in severe cases.

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Are You Looking for Foot and Ankle Arthritis treatment  in Roxbury, NJ?

If you are looking for arthritis treatment, you should reach out to a well trained podiatrist. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or at our office at (973) 370-3759.