Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common types of disability in Western countries and contrary to popular belief it can develop at any age. Because the literal definition of arthritis is ‘pain within a joint’ the term can, and has, been applied to a variety of conditions though it is typically used to refer to severe inflammation of the joints.
Unfortunately, the feet and ankles are frequently affected by this debilitating disease, and this often causes problems with both walking and balancing. There are three different types of arthritis that typically affect the foot and ankle:
Osteoarthritis: This particular form of the condition is often referred to as the ‘wear and tear’ kind, or ‘degenerative arthritis’ and it often strikes people over the age of forty. It generally occurs in an older population because the cartilage that covers the end of our bones becomes worn with time, which causes pain, swelling and inflammation to develop in the joint. Obesity and a family history of this disease increase the risk of developing this condition as well. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition and pain and stiffness usually become more acute over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Whereas osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear there is no clear cause in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. This type of inflammation does not necessarily appear in consistent areas but is rather a system-wide disease where the immune system begins to attack itself, destroying cartilage in the process. While it’s not classed as inherited disease specialists believe that some people may be particularly susceptible to it due to their genes, and that the onset of rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by an event, such as environmental issues or infection.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis usually develops after an injury to the ankle or foot, though it may develop years after the fracture, sprain or dislocation has actually occurred. In fact, injured joints are much more vulnerable to becoming arthritic even if the injury was properly treated in a timely fashion. This is partly due to the fact that the body secretes hormones post-injury that destroy cartilage cells.
The symptoms for arthritis in the feet and ankles may vary according to which joint is affected but indications frequently include pain or tenderness in the area, tissue swelling, stiffness, reduced motion and flexibility, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance. A diagnosis is usually made following a medical examination and will take the patient’s medical history and symptoms into account. Additional tests may be ordered to further clarify the degree of severity of the condition.
Nonsurgical treatment options for arthritis usually include orthotics such as shoe inserts (pads or arch supports), an ankle-foot orthotic device, a brace, cane or custom-made shoe, the use of pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and perhaps even steroid injections into the affected area.
Surgical treatment is used only when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain or address the problem. Because there are varying types of arthritis more than type of surgery may be needed, ranging from arthroscopic debridement to fusing the joint together or replacing the joint altogether. While arthritis cannot always be prevented early treatment and proper care will help the patient retain maximum mobility and a relatively active lifestyle.
Unfortunately, the feet and ankles are frequently affected by this debilitating disease, and this often causes problems with both walking and balancing. There are three different types of arthritis that typically affect the foot and ankle:
Osteoarthritis: This particular form of the condition is often referred to as the ‘wear and tear’ kind, or ‘degenerative arthritis’ and it often strikes people over the age of forty. It generally occurs in an older population because the cartilage that covers the end of our bones becomes worn with time, which causes pain, swelling and inflammation to develop in the joint. Obesity and a family history of this disease increase the risk of developing this condition as well. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition and pain and stiffness usually become more acute over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Whereas osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear there is no clear cause in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. This type of inflammation does not necessarily appear in consistent areas but is rather a system-wide disease where the immune system begins to attack itself, destroying cartilage in the process. While it’s not classed as inherited disease specialists believe that some people may be particularly susceptible to it due to their genes, and that the onset of rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by an event, such as environmental issues or infection.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis usually develops after an injury to the ankle or foot, though it may develop years after the fracture, sprain or dislocation has actually occurred. In fact, injured joints are much more vulnerable to becoming arthritic even if the injury was properly treated in a timely fashion. This is partly due to the fact that the body secretes hormones post-injury that destroy cartilage cells.
The symptoms for arthritis in the feet and ankles may vary according to which joint is affected but indications frequently include pain or tenderness in the area, tissue swelling, stiffness, reduced motion and flexibility, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance. A diagnosis is usually made following a medical examination and will take the patient’s medical history and symptoms into account. Additional tests may be ordered to further clarify the degree of severity of the condition.
Nonsurgical treatment options for arthritis usually include orthotics such as shoe inserts (pads or arch supports), an ankle-foot orthotic device, a brace, cane or custom-made shoe, the use of pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and perhaps even steroid injections into the affected area.
Surgical treatment is used only when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain or address the problem. Because there are varying types of arthritis more than type of surgery may be needed, ranging from arthroscopic debridement to fusing the joint together or replacing the joint altogether. While arthritis cannot always be prevented early treatment and proper care will help the patient retain maximum mobility and a relatively active lifestyle.
Suzy Pickhall, who has been a foot care expert over the past thirty years has written a viable guide on how to combat Heel Pain Causes, and a guide on Difference between Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis.