Arthritis & Your Feet

What is arthritis?
Arthritis, in general terms, is inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. Arthritis has multiple causes; just as a sore throat may have its origin in a variety of diseases, so joint inflammation and arthritis are associated with many different illnesses.

What are some causes?
1. Heredity
2. Injuries, especially ones that have been ignored
3. Bacterial and viral infections
4. Inflammatory bowel diseases
5. Prescription and illegal drug use
6. Defective genes

What are the symptoms?
Because arthritis can affect the structure and function of the feet, it is important to see a podiatrist if any of the following symptoms occurs in the feet.
1. Swelling in one or more joints
2. Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
3. Redness or heat in a joint
4. Limitation in motion of joint
5. Early morning stiffness 6. Skin changes, including rashes and growths

Some forms of arthritis...
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It can be brought on suddenly by injury, but its onset is generally gradual as one ages. Dull, throbbing nighttime pain is characteristic.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a major crippling disorder, and perhaps the most serious form of arthritis. It is a complex, chronic inflammatory system of diseases often affecting more than a dozen smaller joints during the course of the disease. Lengthy morning stiffness, fatigue, and weight loss are characteristic.
Gout is a condition caused by a build up of the salts of uric acid- a normal byproduct of the diet-inn the joints. A single big toe joint is commonly the locus. Attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful.

What is the treatment?
Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment of any form. Your podiatrist may treat arthritis with medication, specially prescribed shoes, or surgery depending on the severity of the arthritic condition.