Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Gastonia, NC
Manage Pain and Restore Mobility at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists
Is persistent stiffness, swelling, or pain in your foot and ankle joints making it difficult to walk or enjoy your favorite activities? You may be dealing with arthritis, a chronic condition that can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life.
At Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists in Gastonia, NC, we understand that living with arthritis can be challenging. Our expert podiatrists are dedicated to providing precise diagnosis and comprehensive management plans designed to alleviate your pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve your joint function.
We're committed to helping you find lasting relief and maintain an active lifestyle right here in the Gastonia community.
Understanding Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones. When this cartilage wears away, bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
The foot and ankle contain numerous joints, making them a frequent site for various forms of arthritis. The most common types we treat include:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, this is the most common form. It typically develops over time as the cartilage naturally deteriorates with age or as a result of a past injury. It most commonly affects the big toe, midfoot, and ankle joints.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
A form of osteoarthritis that develops after a severe injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. The damage to the joint accelerates cartilage degeneration, sometimes years after the initial injury has healed.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. It often affects smaller joints first, including those in the feet, and can cause severe deformity if not managed properly.
Gout
A specific type of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It often presents with sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling, most frequently in the big toe.
Common Causes of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
While the specific causes vary by the type of arthritis, several factors can contribute to the development of joint pain and inflammation in the feet and ankles:
Age: The natural wear-and-tear on cartilage increases with age, making osteoarthritis more prevalent in older adults.
Previous Injuries: A history of a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain can significantly increase the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in that joint years later.
Genetics: An inherited predisposition can play a role, especially with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Repetitive Stress: High-impact activities or occupations that place continuous stress on the foot and ankle joints can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
Autoimmune Conditions: For rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system is the primary driver of joint inflammation and damage.
Lifestyle and Diet: Certain dietary choices and health factors can trigger gout attacks.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis in the feet and ankles often worsen over time and can vary depending on the specific type. If you experience any of these signs, a professional evaluation by our Gastonia podiatrists is essential for a correct diagnosis:
Persistent Pain: A deep, aching pain in one or more joints, which may be worse in the morning, with activity, or in cold weather.
Stiffness: A sensation of a rigid joint, making it difficult to bend or move the foot and ankle.
Swelling: Noticeable puffiness around the affected joints.
Decreased Mobility: A reduced range of motion, making it challenging to walk, climb stairs, or stand for extended periods.
Joint Deformity: Visible changes in the shape of the foot, such as a bunion, hammertoe, or a crooked appearance of the toes.
Warmth and Redness: The skin over the joint may feel warm to the touch and appear red, especially during a flare-up.
Difficulty with Footwear: Arthritis can cause changes in foot shape and size, making it hard to find comfortable shoes.
Effective Treatments for Foot and Ankle Arthritis at Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists
While there is no cure for arthritis, the goal of our treatment is to manage your pain, slow the progression of the disease, and improve your quality of life. After a thorough examination, our Gastonia podiatrists will develop a comprehensive and personalized plan.
Our approach may include a combination of the following:
Conservative Management (Often the First Step):
Custom Orthotics: A cornerstone of our care, we provide custom-molded orthotic inserts. These devices are meticulously designed to support your foot structure, correct gait abnormalities, and offload pressure from painful joints, often providing significant relief.
Activity Modification: We will work with you to find a balance between staying active to maintain joint mobility and avoiding high-impact activities that cause flare-ups.
Supportive Footwear: Recommendations for specific shoe types that offer cushioning, stability, and a proper fit to minimize joint stress.
Physical Therapy Referrals: We often recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and enhance stability.
Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
Advanced Treatment Options (When Conservative Methods Aren't Enough):
Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, a cortisone injection directly into the joint can provide powerful, temporary relief from inflammation and pain.
Regenerative Medicine
As a commitment to advanced care, we offer regenerative medicine options like stem cell injections for certain types of arthritis. These cutting-edge therapies stimulate natural healing and may offer a solution for managing chronic joint pain and preserving function after arthritis.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
For severe arthritis that doesn't respond to conservative care, our podiatrists are skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement can be performed to address the damaged joint, often with smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and potentially faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. We will thoroughly discuss if surgery is the right step for your unique condition.
You don't have to live with chronic foot and ankle pain. Effective treatment for arthritis is available to help you manage your symptoms and maintain your independence. Contact Carolina Foot and Ankle Specialists in Gastonia, NC, today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Our dedicated team is ready to help you find relief and get back on your feet comfortably.