subject: Managing Arthritis With The Help Of Your Podiatrist [print this page] Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and can occur in any age. Arthritis refers to "pain within a joint" and is a term that is largely used to refer to a number of different conditions. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are a variety of treatment options that can help relieve the pain for you. When you begin experiencing symptoms, it is important for you to seek help so that treatment can begin early. With the proper treatment from your Silver Spring podiatrist, you will be able to manage your pain and live a fulfilling life without having to undergo surgical treatment.
Type of Arthritis That Can Affect Your Feet And Ankles
There are three main types of arthritis that can affect your feet and ankles: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis and becomes more common as you get older. Over the years, the cartilage that covers the end of your bones becomes worn and frayed, resulting in inflammation, swelling and pain in your joint. Osteoarthritis affects you slowly, with the pain and stiffness worsening over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis in that it is a system-wide disease. It is an inflammatory disease where your immune system will actually attack and destroy your cartilage. In addition, post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to your foot or ankle. This form of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, severe sprain or ligament injury.
Causes of Arthritis in the Feet
Almost 40 million Americans are currently dealing with arthritis. Besides hereditary factors, here are a few ways that arthritis can occur:
*Viral and bacterial infections that attack the joints
*Injuries, notably in athletes and physical laborers, especially if injuries are ignored
*Using drugs (both prescription and illegal) can induce arthritis
Treatment Options
The objectives in treating your arthritis is controlling inflammation, preserving joint function and curing the disease if it is possible. Arthritis can be treated in several ways, including physical therapy and exercise with medication. The control of foot functions with special shoe inserts known as orthotics can also be recommended. Surgery is also an option, but it is usually seen as a last resort by your podiatrist.
If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis in your feet or ankles, your Silver Spring podiatrist should be contacted immediately for treatment. Do not ignore your joint pain. Get treatment as soon as you can to relieve your painful joints. Your podiatrist will be able to provide you the pain relief you are looking for.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about arthritis in your feet or ankles, contact your podiatrist in Silver Spring, MD as soon as you can.
