According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, arthritis affects millions of Americans. A significant number are disabled by osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle joints.
The lower extremities have a complex anatomy, so individuals should consult an expert to alleviate symptoms. A foot clinic is staffed by foot and ankle specialists or podiatrists who can provide personalized treatment.
If standing and walking hurt, it’s time to consult an expert. This article talks about how a foot clinic in Fall River, MA, can help with arthritis management.
Understanding Arthritis in the Feet
The Cleveland Clinic defines arthritis as joint inflammation. The most common types diagnosed in patients are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear associated with aging and injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
OA and RA affect the joints in the toes, ankles, and midfoot, such as:
- The joint connecting the ankle and shinbone
- The three joints that include the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
- The joint linking the big toe to the foot bone
The most common symptoms of arthritis in the feet are:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that worsens with activity
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to move around comfortably.
How Foot Clinics Help with Arthritis Management
Foot clinics specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet and ankles. For people with arthritis, these clinics offer comprehensive care that can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Some of the services foot specialists can provide include the following:
Accurate Diagnosis
Foot clinics use advanced diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to assess the extent of joint damage and determine the type of arthritis. An accurate diagnosis is important in order to establish an effective treatment plan.
Customized Treatment Plans
Once the type and severity of arthritis are identified, foot clinics create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. These plans often include a combination of different methods.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps improve joint function and mobility. Therapists at foot clinics teach patients exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Footwear Recommendations
Foot clinics can recommend appropriate footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning to reduce stress on arthritic joints in the feet. Properly fitted shoes can help improve mobility and reduce pain.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics and supportive footwear can provide significant relief for arthritis sufferers. These devices help redistribute weight, reduce pressure on affected joints, and improve alignment. Foot clinics often provide custom fittings to ensure the best possible support and comfort.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to manage arthritis pain effectively. Foot clinics offer various specialized procedures, including:
1. Ankle Joint Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat joint issues through small incisions, leading to quicker recovery times.
2. Fusion Surgery
Fusion involves permanently joining two or more bones in a joint to reduce pain and improve ankle stability.
3. Ankle Joint Replacement
This procedure involves replacing the damaged ankle joint with an artificial one, significantly reducing pain and improving mobility.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Minimally invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections can help manage arthritis pain without surgery. These injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief, delaying the need for more invasive treatments.
Living with arthritis in the feet can be challenging, but specialized care from a foot clinic can significantly alleviate pain and improve quality of life. The range of services available at a foot clinic can change the life of someone with arthritis.
If you are experiencing foot pain due to arthritis, consider visiting a foot clinic in Fall River, MA, to explore your treatment options.
Foot Clinic in Fall River, MA
The foot and ankle doctors or podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England are some of the best in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our doctors have extensive training and experience in foot and ankle arthritis treatment.
Come to us with your symptoms and we will provide you with proven and advanced solutions. We are committed to helping you return to the life you love. To schedule an appointment for foot arthritis treatment, call our office near you or use our request form.
