Since October 12th is World Arthritis Day, we thought it might be a good time to share how arthritis can affect your feet. Because there are several different forms of arthritis, the way it affects people can vary as well. Since approximately 50% of American seniors can suffer from arthritis-related foot pain, we at Fords Foot and Ankle Care want our patients to be educated and aware.
Common Forms of Arthritis That Affect the Feet
- Osteoarthritis – As bones and cartilage weaken, the joints where the bones meet can rub against each other and cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The big toe joint is most likely to be affected by this type of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – This chronic inflammatory disease affects the joints, including those in the feet. Due to this joint pain and inflammation, corns and bunions can develop and in some cases, it can lead to hammertoes.
- Gout – This type of arthritis is due to excess uric acid that goes into the joints and other tissues. Most people are affected in the big toe joint and have pain and swelling there.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – When this arthritis affects the toe joints, it causes the toes to swell up. Toenails can thicken and separate from the nail bed, or the inflammation can damage the nail bed itself.
- Posttraumatic Arthritis – After a severe injury to the joints in feet or ankles, it is possible that the cartilage between the joints can wear down. This type of arthritis can come about later, even years after the injury.
Arthritis can affect people younger than 65 years old as well. If you or someone else in your family experiences some of these symptoms, they should come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Carl Ingrassia, for proper diagnosis and relief. Stiffness, swelling, joint pain, joint cracking sounds when walking and foot pain that alters your gait can indicate some form of arthritis. Foot pain can be an early sign of some arthritis, which can become present in the rest of the body, so it is best to get diagnosed sooner rather than later.
Supportive shoes and orthotics can help to relieve symptoms, but it is best to make an appointment with our podiatrist for the best treatment options. Call us today at (732) 738-4441 to make an appointment at our Fords, NJ office today!