What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for numerous arthritic diseases that cause joint pain and dysfunction.
Different types of arthritis affect the joint linings and cartilage that protect your bones in different ways, but almost every variety wears away or degrades them, leaving the bones exposed. If they’re exposed, the ends of the bones start rubbing against one another. This leads to friction, irritation, and inflammation that causes pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is the most familiar form of the disease. It’s typically age-related, affecting people from around the age of 50 onward. The wear-and-tear that takes place during your life through normal use of your joints leads to deterioration of the cartilage protecting the bones, and it eventually erodes.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Typical arthritis symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Joint inflammation
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Trouble walking
- Problems bearing weight
You could have additional symptoms depending on the type of arthritis you have. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fever and loss of appetite.
Knowing which type of arthritis you have can help Dr. Cancelliere create a treatment plan for you, making diagnostic testing crucial.
What treatments are there for arthritis?
Dr. Cancelliere treats every patient as an individual and tailors your treatment plan to suit your particular condition. Your personalized plan might contain treatments such as:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatories
- Steroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid
- Supportive shoe pads
- Orthotic insoles
- Leg braces
- Custom shoes
- Physical therapy
Lifestyle management is also vital, because being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and eating a diet that doesn’t give you all the nutrients you need can make the symptoms of arthritis noticeably worse. Dr. Cancelliere can provide you with advice and support on making these changes.
In some cases, joint deterioration reaches a stage where joint fusion surgery or possibly a joint replacement is the only solution, but conservative approaches are always used first.
If you have symptoms of arthritis in your feet and ankles, call Candria Foot & Ankle Specialists today, or book an appointment online.
