Arthritis

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes dozens of different types of disorders that lead to chronic joint inflammation. You can have localized arthritis in a certain joint, or it can be widespread, depending on the cause. Some of the most well-known causes of arthritis include:

• Injury or trauma (post-traumatic arthritis)
• Wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis)
• Uric acid buildup (gouty arthritis)
• Bacterial infections (septic arthritis)
• Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis)

Since so many different types of arthritis exist, your dedicated podiatrist spends time evaluating your joints and talking with you about your symptoms, in an effort to properly diagnose you. Depending on the arthritis symptoms you’re experiencing, they may also collect a blood sample or order an imaging test (like an X-ray) to get to the root of what’s causing your arthritis.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

If you have arthritis, one thing’s for certain: You’re going to have sore joints. Arthritis leads to many other issues, too. Common warning signs of arthritis include:

• Limited joint range-of-motion
• Joint stiffness, tenderness, or swelling
• Warmth or redness over the joint

You might find that your joints are constantly sore, or that the pain worsens with activity. Whether your arthritis symptoms are minor or severe though, you can get the comprehensive care you need at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle.

How is arthritis treated?

The goal of your arthritis treatment plan from Neuhaus Foot & Ankle is to delay the progression of the condition and alleviate symptoms to improve your quality of life. Your arthritis care package may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Immunosuppressant medications
• Bracing or splinting
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

Sometimes though, the best possible solution for resolving serious arthritic damage and inflammation is surgery. Arthritis surgery, which is often minimally invasive, involves removing or repairing any damaged tissue.

If needed, your dedicated foot and ankle surgeon at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle can even perform a partial or total joint replacement surgery to fully restore your joint mobility, so you can return to your regular activities with little-to-no limitations.

Schedule your arthritis evaluation at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle today. Click on the online scheduler or call your closest clinic directly.