Foot And Ankle Arthritis
Foot And Ankle Arthritis is usually caused by four common diseases: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis & Gout. Which one do you have?
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Table of Contents
The Complete Foot & Ankle Arthritis Guide.
How To Diagnose Foot & Ankle Arthritis?
There are 4 major causes of foot and ankle arthritis:
1)Osteoarthritis.
- This is the classic “wear and tear” arthritis.
- It results it the breakdown of cartilage due to overuse and then bone on bone rubbing.
- It occurs in middle aged people and gets worse with age.
- It usually only occurs in people >40-50 years old.
- It feels fine at rest.
- Feels worse with activity.
- Usually just the big toe joint.
Diagnosis:
- History & Physical.
- Foot X-rays.
2)Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- This is a genetic autoimmune disorder.
- It is a system wide disease.
- The immune cells attack the cartilage throughout the hands and feet.
- Pain is worse with rest.
- Pain gets better with activity.
- Usually both hands and feet (many joints) are effected.
Diagnosis:
- History & Physical.
- Foot X-rays.
- RF factor.
- Blood tests.
3)Traumatic Arthritis.
- Essentially the same symptoms & presentation as osteoarthritis.
- Can occur at any age due to joint trauma.
- This means broken bones and damaged ligaments around a joint.
- A severe break in a weight bearing joint almost guarantees arthritis.
- This includes the big toe, heel & the ankle.
Diagnosis:
- History & Physical.
- Foot X-rays.
4) Gout.
- Uric acid crystals deposit in the bit toe joint.
- More common after a night of dehydration or alcohol drinking.
- More common after eating heavy protein.
- Pain for 1-2 days that needs to be controlled.
- Needs Ice, NSAIDs or Steroids.
- Extreme pain during rest & activity.
- Almost always the big toe joint.
Diagnosis:
- History & Physical.
- Foot X-rays.
- See if symptoms go away after treatment.
- Blood test for uric acid levels.
- Tap the joint for evidence of crystals (very painful)
There are a few other minor types of arthritis like septic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Visit our Foot Arthritis page for these:
