Arthritis in Your Feet & Ankles? OA, RA, & Modern Relief

It’s just a fact of life. You need to accept it and move on.

That’s the kind of thing that people with arthritis hear all the time. Unfortunately, just “accepting” chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling isn’t easy. Arthritis inflicts both joint inflammation and degeneration, which can lead to a disabling loss of mobility!

Fortunately, we can help. For this blog, Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists will explore modern, minimally invasive approaches that help you manage symptoms and reclaim mobility, too.

Osteoarthritis (OA): The “Wear and Tear” Arthritis

OA, the most common form, results from the protective cartilage cushioning your bones wearing down over time.

  • In the Feet & Ankles: OA can affect any joint but is frequent in the big toe, midfoot, and ankle.
  • Common Causes: Aging, previous injuries (old sprains, fractures), overuse, and genetics.
  • Typical Symptoms:
    • Joint pain and aching, often worse after activity or at day’s end.
    • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest.
    • Reduced range of motion.
    • Swelling around the joint.
    • Sometimes, a grinding sensation or bone spurs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An Autoimmune Condition

RA is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint linings (synovium).

  • How it Affects Feet & Ankles: RA often affects multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both ankles or small joints in both feet), leading to significant inflammation, pain, and potential joint deformity if unmanaged.
  • Typical Symptoms:
    • Pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in affected joints.
    • Morning stiffness lasting an hour or more.
    • Fatigue and sometimes fever.
    • Development of rheumatoid nodules under the skin.

Finding Relief With Minimally Invasive Techniques

Modern treatment aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation, maintain joint function, and improve quality of life.

  • Custom Orthotics: These prescription devices, made for your specific feet, are highly beneficial for both OA and RA. By providing targeted support, cushioning, and correcting biomechanical imbalances, custom orthotics can:
    • Reduce stress on arthritic joints.
    • Improve foot alignment and function.
    • Decrease pain during walking and standing.
  • Regenerative Medicine: This exciting field uses your body’s own healing components. For arthritis, stem cell therapy is being researched for its potential to reduce inflammation and possibly aid cartilage repair.
  • Aquaroll: This option uses water-powered, multi-directional massage to stimulate circulation. Its gentleness and ability to relax muscles while promoting healing make it particularly effective for those managing arthritis.

Don’t Give Up On Relief!

Modern podiatry offers solutions! Together, we can help you become more active and more comfortable, too. Get in touch and start your recovery today.

Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual foot and ankle needs. Contact our office in Chatham County at (912) 988-3323 to schedule an appointment today.