Arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints. In one foot alone, there are over 30 joints – so arthritis in one or both feet can truly interrupt your daily life every time you stand and walk.
The symptoms can depend on the type of arthritis you have. Let’s talk about some of the main symptoms of arthritis, the most common types of arthritis in the feet, and where you can go for lasting relief of your arthritis pain.
Symptoms of Arthritis in the Feet and Toes
The early and ongoing symptoms of arthritis in the feet can include the following:
- Foot pain that is persistent or intermittent
- Pain and stiffness that is more pronounced in the morning
- Warmth and redness in the skin on the foot
- Swelling and puffiness in the toes and feet
- Bone spurs or knobby growths on the feet
- Deformity or a change in the shape of the foot (typical of rheumatoid arthritis)
Types of Arthritis that Most Often Affect the Feet
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the body. It is caused by wear and tear on the joints, as the protective cartilage has worn away over time or due to overuse – such as can happen when playing a sport, which is why young athletes can also develop arthritis in a joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body mistakenly attacks your own cells. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, which is a special lining in the joints; this is very different from the cartilage. However, RA can also attack other areas of your body and organs, such as your eyes, skin, heart, lungs, and circulatory system. The most apparent symptom that differentiates it from other types of arthritis is that it can cause deformity of the toes and fingers.
- Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joint, often at the base of the big toe. It tends to cause pain and swelling in the big toe, but gout can be thwarted relatively quickly by drinking plenty of water. The water will dilute the uric acid crystals.
The type of arthritis in the feet must be accurately diagnosed by a skilled physician in order to receive lasting relief that works for you.
Podiatrists in Cincinnati, OH
If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis in the feet, see a foot and ankle doctor for specialized care and proper treatment. Whereas a family doctor might just prescribe pain-relief medicine for your foot pain, a podiatrist knows how to get to the root cause of your symptoms and provide a lasting solution.
Here at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care, our podiatrists understand the difficulty of living with arthritis in the feet. You will receive personalized medical care, and you can expect efficient and effective relief from your arthritis symptoms.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our outstanding podiatrists, contact our friendly staff today by calling our location near you or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your podiatric healthcare partner!
