Living with Foot Arthritis
For many people, especially as they age, foot arthritis is a painful reality. The discomfort of arthritis can discourage people from taking part in enjoyable activities and result in a lower quality of living. However, there is always hope. Arthritis can be preventable and manageable. Let’s talk a little bit more about what arthritis is, the causes, and how you can live your life around it.
What is Arthritis?
There are many types of arthritis, but they all involve inflammation of one or more of the joints in the foot. This inflammation can alter the function of a patient’s foot, and while there is no definitive cure, patients with any type can still enjoy an active lifestyle as long as they take proper care of their feet.
What Causes Arthritis
Since there are so many types of arthritis, there isn’t a single specific cause of the condition. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It most commonly occurs in older patients but can be found in younger ones as well. This type of arthritis is caused by a wearing of the cartilage in the joint from overuse. Another common type of foot arthritis is called gout. Gout occurs when an excess of waste fluid collects in the feet. These excess fluids cause swelling the joints, which causes arthritis. Diabetic patients are often times more likely to experience this type of arthritis.
What Treatments are Available?
As stated above, arthritis is very manageable, and a diagnosis does not mean you have to forfeit all of your favorite activities. You can treat the painful symptoms of your arthritis by:
Opting for low-impact sports like swimming over high-impact sports like jogging
Talking to your doctor about custom-fitted orthotics
Taking anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your foot doctor
Undergoing foot surgery as a last resort
When Should I See my Foot Doctor?
Immediately! No matter where in your journey with foot arthritis, our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. David R. Sullivan, DPM, of Westfield Foot and Ankle is ready to take your arthritis on with you and get you back to doing the things you love. Our office serves all of Hamilton County, Indiana including Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, and Zionsville. Make an appointment online or call (317) 896-6655.