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ARTHRITIS

Don’t Let Arthritis Disable You

The disease affects more than 50 million Americans, according to The Arthritis Foundation. Even with so many sufferers, there are still many misconceptions about this common condition. Aches and pains at the end of the day, or after standing for long periods of time, are often simply attributed to aging, but there can be more going on. Arthritis is a disabling disease with symptoms that can come and go or gradually worsen over time. This disease commonly affects your feet, and proactive care and treatment is essential in managing its progression.

Understanding the Basics

The term actually refers to a parent group consisting of more than 100 diseases or conditions. Two of the most common forms of this disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first is characterized by cartilage in the joints breaking down over time. Often referred to as the “wear and tear” disease, it is brought on by factors such as aging, obesity and joint injury. The rheumatoid type is the most serious form and involves an inflammatory group of diseases. The body’s immune response attacks the membranes that line the joints and causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Infection, injury and uric acid crystals can each lead to the formation of this condition.

Signs That You May Have Arthritis

Your feet bear an incredible amount of weight and with 33 joints in each foot; there are many areas susceptible to pain. Loss of mobility and independence can result when this condition develops in feet and is not properly treated. Know the signs and symptoms that will alert you to seek medical care before too much damage is done. If your feet are affected, you will notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Swelling in one or more joints
• Joints that feel warm and inflamed
• Pain and tenderness when touched or bumped
• Stiffness in one or more joints
• Skin changes such as growths or rashes
• Difficulty standing or walking

Unfortunately, this condition is often underestimated and misunderstood as not being a serious health concern. It is the leading cause of disability in the USA, and ignoring symptoms can greatly limit your activity level and impact your quality of life. In the foot, these symptoms can affect the ankle, the big toe joint, and the joints in the midfoot and near the heel. 

How We Can Help Arthritis in the Feet

We encourage you to contact Dr. Philip Pinsker as soon as you experience any one of the symptoms described above. We will use a physical exam and X-rays or CT scans to help us confirm a diagnosis and then make a tailored treatment plan based on the nature of your condition. Conservative treatments may involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, injecting of medications directly into affected joints, weight control and custom orthotic inserts. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue, fuse bones together or replace joints entirely.

Don’t wait until your symptoms are so severe. We want you to avoid surgery at all costs, so contact Dr. Philip S. Pinsker at the first sign of pain or stiffness. You can reach our office in Washington, PA by calling (724) 225-7410, or request an appointment online. Arthritis does not have to limit your lifestyle. We can provide the help you need to stay active and pain free.