If you experience foot and ankle pain, and it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, you might have arthritis. Though painful, there are various ways to reduce uncomfortable symptoms. At Greenwood Foot Clinic, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Mark Lazar, DPM, podiatrist and foot surgeon, Stephen Tenter, DPM, and the team provide complete care for foot and ankle arthritis. To make an appointment, call the office in Greenwood or Martinsville, Indiana, or book online today.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases characterized by joint inflammation. Arthritis can occur anywhere in the body, but it’s especially common in the lower extremities. This is because your feet contain dozens of bones and joints.
Without diagnosis and intervention, foot and ankle arthritis may affect your mobility, range of motion, and joint function. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and help you feel better.
Arthritis of the foot and ankle presents various symptoms, including:
If you have arthritis, you might also experience a swollen joint or joint redness.
Make an appointment with the team at Greenwood Foot Clinic if you experience foot or ankle pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, like ice, rest, or elevation. You might also make an appointment if your symptoms get worse or they interfere with your ability to work or exercise.
At Greenwood Foot Clinic, the team diagnoses foot and ankle arthritis during an in-office visit.
Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if certain activities make them worse. Next, your provider examines your foot and ankle, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling. Then, they gently press on your ankle to pinpoint areas of sensitivity.
Last, your provider orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These imaging procedures provide photos of your bones, joints, and soft tissues. The team assesses the damage to your hard and soft tissues to determine the best type of treatment.
Treatment of foot and ankle arthritis depends on several factors, including your age, the type of arthritis, and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Greenwood Foot Clinic might recommend:
If you have a joint that no longer functions properly, the team might recommend surgery. During surgery, your provider replaces your damaged joint with a prosthesis.
To receive treatment for foot and ankle arthritis, make an appointment at Greenwood Foot Clinic by calling the nearest office or booking online today.