Arthritis

What is foot and ankle arthritis?

Foot and ankle arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of more than 100 diseases that cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. At Alpine Foot and Ankle, Dr. McCall focuses on the three most common types:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, causes the cartilage –– a substance that cushions the joints –– to break down. Without cartilage, your bones rub against each other, resulting in swelling and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes your immune system to attack the joint lining (synovium). Like OA, RA causes joint stiffness, swelling, and mobility issues.

Gout

Gout is most common in men. It causes uric acid crystal build-up inside the joints, most commonly in the big toe joint. 

Does foot and ankle arthritis present symptoms?

Foot and ankle arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

Symptom severity varies depending on the type of arthritis and its location. Even so, if you experience foot or ankle pain that lasts more than a few weeks, contact Alpine Foot and Ankle.

How is foot and ankle arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. McCall reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they began, where they occur, and if they worsen during activities like walking. Then, he completes a physical exam, checking your foot and ankle for redness, swelling, and bruising.

Dr. McCall gently presses the affected area to identify sensitive spots and checks your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. He also orders several tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and a joint fluid screening. Last, Dr. McCall completes X-rays or an MRI to examine the bones, joints, and surrounding tissue.

How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, Dr. McCall treats foot and ankle arthritis with a conservative, patient-centered approach. He might suggest:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Counterirritants (topical ointments that interfere with the transmission of pain signals)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Most people benefit from several treatments, but if symptoms continue or worsen, Dr. McCall might recommend surgery. Several types of foot and ankle surgery are used to treat arthritis, including joint replacement, joint repair, and joint fusion.

Call the nearest Alpine Foot and Ankle office today to schedule arthritis treatment, or book your visit online.