14
Jun

Foot And Ankle Arthritis

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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?

Foot And Ankle Arthritis

 

Skip To Treatment:

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:

The Complete Foot & Ankle Arthritis Guide.

About the author

The Modern Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist Doctor):Today's podiatrist is required to undergo rigorous medical training that licenses them as physicians with equivalent legal standing to the MD and DO degree (These are physician recognized licenses most common only in the USA). Although admittedly the training does differ between the three degrees. The differences are listed below.In Michigan Podiatrists are trained and authorized to perform surgery in the foot and ankle up to the tibial tubercle below the knee.All our podiatrists and foot doctors have undergone rigorous training including a 4 undergraduate college degree, writing the medical school entrance exam (MCAT), followed by a 4 year medical school degree (DPM - Doctor of Podiatric Medicine),Once podiatrists in the USA complete the rigorous 4 year medical school courses, they are required to complete a minimum of 3 years of a surgical and non-surgical residency program. Some podiatrists and foot doctors then choose to go on to further fellowship training specializing in various forms of specialty such as diabetic surgery or reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.The training is not over yet! Each podiatrist must be judged by a governing body where they submit their surgical cases and are reviewed regularly to ensure excellent results. This is a career long evaluation with board qualifications and certifications every few years.So have faith that today's podiatrist is your best choice for your foot and ankle problems! We are able to approach you foot and ankle problems from a non-surgery perspective, but that when necessary we can provide you with the treatment that you need!All articles written by this account are considered to be for educational purposes only. It is impossible for us to truly assess your condition and the advice we give here is meant to give you a basis to then follow up with your podiatrist and foot doctor later.If you have any questions at all, or there is anything that we can help you with, please feel free to contact our office or email us. Podiatrists provide medically necessary treatment which should be covered by valid insurance plans, we are not a cosmetic or elective medical specialty.