Arthritis

The foot and ankle have more than 30 joints, making this part of your body highly susceptible to arthritis. Benjamin Clair, DPM, is an experienced foot and ankle specialist at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, who diagnoses and treats arthritis in the foot and ankle. Finding arthritis during the early stages gives you more treatment options. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about treatments for your arthritis.

What should I know about arthritis?

Arthritis means joint inflammation and pain. It’s not a diagnosis, but a term used to describe problems with the joint. 

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including those in the feet and ankles. Because you rely on your feet and ankles for locomotion, this type of arthritis can have a significant effect on your mobility. 

How did I get arthritis in my foot and ankle?

An injury, misuse, malalignment, or biomechanical strain are all potential causes of foot and ankle arthritis. Your foot has more than 33 joints, and the ankle joint is a combination of three bones. The complexity of the foot and ankle makes them vulnerable to joint problems that lead to arthritis.

There are many types of arthritis. Some of the common types that affect the foot and ankle include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, causing joint pain and inflammation due to deterioration of the cartilage that separates the bones in the joint. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and inflammation because the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint. This type of arthritis most often affects smaller joints first, like those in the foot.

Post-traumatic arthritis

You may develop arthritis in your foot or ankle following an injury. This is called post-traumatic arthritis. 

When should I seek help for arthritis?

Dr. Clair recommends that you schedule an appointment at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center immediately if you suspect you have arthritis in your foot or ankle. It’s always better to catch arthritis at an earlier stage because you have more and better treatment options. 

Dr. Clair reviews your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. He also asks about your medical history and then examines your feet and ankles. He may run X-rays to evaluate your joints and confirm or rule out arthritis. 

What are some treatments for arthritis?

Treatment for arthritis depends on the location and severity of your joint pain and inflammation. Dr. Clair takes a patient-centered approach, making treatment recommendations that give you the best possible outcomes.

Treatment for your arthritis may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Use of shoe inserts or ankle braces
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection

Dr. Clair may perform joint-sparing procedures like cartilage repair, or he may recommend joint fusion or total joint replacement for severe arthritis. 

It’s important to get an evaluation from an experienced foot and ankle specialist so you get the best course of treatment. Call Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center today or schedule an appointment online.