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Arthritis is a painful condition that is seen in joints. In most cases, age-related wear & tear is believed to be the cause of the condition. But it could occur due to other reasons as well.
As people get older, the chance of developing arthritis becomes high. When this condition occurs, the person experiences swelling, pain, and physical changes in the affected joint. Arthritis generally affects large joints of the body but smaller joints like the foot & ankle joint are also prone to developing this condition. In this post, we will discuss arthritis occurring in the foot and ankle.
In most cases, medication and physical therapies tend to relieve symptoms of the condition but, severe cases may require surgery like fusion or joint replacement. Surgery requires the use of orthopaedic implants and instruments depending upon the exact location.
Types of Arthritis That Could Affect Foot and Ankle
Some of the common types of arthritis that are seen in the ankle include:
Osteoarthritis
Also known as degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by a gradual wearing of cartilages present at the end of joints. Cartilages provide cushioning between the joints and prevent bones from rubbing against each other. This condition most often occurs as a result of age-related wear & tear of the joint. Previous ankle injury could also be the reason for the development of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is a type of chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system of the body starts attacking itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the ankle joint, and early signs may include difficulty in using ramps, stairs, and inclined planes. In certain cases, the person may even find it difficult to walk properly or stand for a long time.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is another inflammatory condition that is known to occur after genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal infections. This arthritic form may affect the ankle, knee, or feet joints at first.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This is the form of arthritis that occurs after healing a foot injury that occurred years ago. The injury that occurred could be a sprain, fracture, or dislocation in the ankle. It might take decades for the symptoms to arise.
Gout
Gout occurs due to an increase in uric acid levels in the body. When this occurs, the excessive uric acid crystals aggravate the joints. The first symptom noticed in the case of gout is swelling in the big toe.
Symptoms Associated with Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Common symptoms that may be noticed in the case of foot and ankle arthritis:
- Painful movement of the joint
- Tenderness when touched
- Difficulty in walking and putting weight on the affected leg
- Swelling in the joint
- Joint stiffness and warmth
- Excessive pain and/or swelling after rest
Diagnosis of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Medical history plays an important role in the diagnosis of the condition. The doctor asks about the first onset of symptoms, the site where the pain is noticed, movements causing pain, and any previous injuries. A physical examination will also be done by the doctor to notice swelling and other visible symptoms. At last, an imaging test will be ordered to confirm the condition. Besides this, a blood test may also be done. The tests performed may include:
- X-ray
- Blood test to measure inflammation and antibodies
- Test to check the joint fluid for uric acid crystals
Treatment of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
According to studies, there is no complete cure for ankle arthritis. The treatment of the condition aims at relieving the symptoms and improving the function of the affected joint. At first, the doctor always prescribes medicine like analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling. Whereas depending upon the condition, the doctor may also prescribe oral corticosteroids, steroid injections, DMARDs, topical creams, or gout medication.
Certain home remedies like having a proper healthy diet, doing ankle-friendly exercise, and application of heat and ice could also be helpful. The patient may also look to get quality orthopedic shoes or ankle braces to support the joint.
In serious cases, surgery may be required. Depending upon the severity, arthroscopic surgery, fusion surgery, or total ankle replacement may be done.
To get international standard orthopedic devices required during surgery performed to fix ankle arthritis or other orthopedic conditions, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. Operating from India, the company has good acceptance in the global orthopedic device market. The company is also looking for reliable distributors of orthopedic implants in Dubai.
