Introduction
Arthritis is an inflammatory ailment that impacts either a single joint or multiple joints within the body. It is frequent in the tiny joints of the foot and ankle and can cause stiffness and pain in any joint. There are over 100 distinct forms of arthritis, with numerous ones affecting the ankle and foot. Walking and engaging in enjoyable activities can be challenging for people of all kinds. Even though there is no known cure for arthritis, numerous ways exist to manage the condition and lessen its symptoms. Many people with arthritis may control their pain, stay active, and have happy lives with the right care.
What Is Foot Osteoarthritis?
Posttraumatic, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis are the three main forms of arthritis that impact the foot and ankle.
Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis, more commonly called degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis, is a prevalent disease for many people after middle age. However, it can arise in younger people as well. Osteoarthritis causes a progressive loss of joint cartilage. The cartilage gets rough and torn as it ages, and the area between the bones that serve as protection shrinks. This may lead to painful osteophytes (bone spurs) and bone rubbing against bone. Obesity and a family history of the condition are two other risk factors for osteoarthritis besides age. Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that typically begins in the foot and ankle and can affect many joints throughout the body. As it is symmetrical, the same joint is generally impacted on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder. This indicates that the immune system is attacking its tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis is defined by joint inflammation caused by immune cells attacking the synovial membrane covering the joint. The synovium invades and deteriorates ligaments, tendons, and bones over time, potentially leading to severe joint deformity and impairment. It is unknown what causes explicitly rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers think certain people have genes that make them more susceptible, even though the disease is not inherited. Typically, the genes are activated by a trigger, like an illness or environmental condition. The immune system starts to create chemicals that damage the joints whenever a person is exposed to this trigger.
Posttraumatic Arthritis:
Posttraumatic arthritis can occur following a foot or ankle injury. The most common injuries that cause post-traumatic arthritis are fractures and dislocations, especially ones that affect the joint surface. Like osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis results in the degeneration of the cartilage that separates the joints. It may manifest years after the original trauma. Even with appropriate treatment, a damaged joint has a roughly seven-fold increased risk of developing arthritis compared to an uninjured joint. The body may release hormones after an injury that promote cartilage cell death.
What Are the Symptoms of Foot Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis symptoms vary based on the region that is affected. A painful and inflamed joint is a common symptom of arthritis. The pain usually starts slowly and increases over time.
Other symptoms may also exist, such as:
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Motion-induced pain.
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Pain that worsens with physical activity.
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Tenderness when applying pressure to the joint.
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Redness, warmth, and edema in the joints.
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Edema and soreness that are worse in the morning or after resting or sitting.
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Any of the aforementioned symptoms brings on walking difficulty.
What Is the Treatment for Foot Osteoarthritis?
Many treatments are available to help lessen the pain and disability that arthritis can cause, but there is currently no known cure for the condition.
Nonsurgical Treatment:
The first line of treatment for foot and ankle arthritis is typically nonsurgical. Lifestyle changes. Adjusting your daily routine can help reduce arthritis pain and delay the illness's progression.
These adjustments include:
Reducing the amount of activities that worsen the illness. To reduce the strain on the foot and ankle, try switching from high-impact exercises like tennis or jogging to lower-impact ones like swimming or cycling. Reducing body weight may reduce joint tension, improve function, and decrease pain.
1. Physical Therapy: Certain exercises can help improve the muscles in the ankle and foot regions while increasing flexibility and range of motion. Physicians can collaborate to design a tailored fitness regimen that suits the individual's lifestyle..
2. Assistive Devices: An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is one type of brace that can help increase mobility. Furthermore, minimizing strain on the foot and reducing pain can be achieved by wearing custom-made shoes with rocker bottoms and firm soles or using orthotic shoe inserts. Additionally, if there is a deformity, a shoe insert helps straighten the ankle and foot, reducing joint pain.
3. Medications: Pain and swelling can be decreased using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Furthermore, cortisone, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, can be injected directly into an arthritic joint. Although cortisone injections can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, the benefits are only for a short period of time.
4. Surgical Treatment: The type of surgery required depends on the type, location, and effect of arthritis on the joints. The doctor might suggest multiple surgical procedures in specific circumstances.
- Arthroscopic Debridement: In the early phases of arthritis, this procedure might be beneficial. Debridement, also known as cleaning, is extracting bone spurs, irritated synovial tissue, and loose cartilage from the area surrounding the joint.
- Arthrodesis (Fusion): Arthrodesis creates a single, continuous bone from two or more individual bones by fully fusing the joint's bones. The objective of the procedure is to alleviate pain by restricting mobility in the arthritic joint.
- Total Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty): When performing a total ankle replacement, the doctor will remove any damaged bone and cartilage before repositioning new metal or plastic joint surfaces to allow the joint to function normally. Even though total ankle replacement is less prevalent than total hip or total knee replacement, many people now have this option because of advancements in implant design.
Conclusion
Every person recovers from arthritis surgery in distinct ways, which can take a few weeks or months. One can often return to regular activities in 3 to 4 months, though one might need to wear braces or supportive shoes for a while. One should discuss what recovery might entail for the particular issue with the doctor.
