Arthritis involves inflammation of a number of joints. It can produce pain and stiffness in any joint in the body but is particularly prevalent in the small joints of the foot and ankle.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and many of them affect the foot and ankle. All can make walking and engaging in enjoyable activities difficult.
Despite there being no remedy for arthritis, there are numerous treatment options to delay the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with arthritis have the ability to cope with their pain, stay active, and live fulfilling lives. Maryville, IL foot arthritis specialist can help you understand it better.
Overview
The most prevalent forms of arthritis affecting the foot and ankle are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, additionally referred to as degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis, is a prevalent issue for many people after they reach middle age, though it can also affect younger people.
In osteoarthritis, cartilage degrades progressively in the joint. As cartilage degrades, it becomes frayed and abrasive, and the protective room between the bones decreases. This can lead to painful osteophytes caused by bone pressing against bone.
Arthritis Rheumatoda
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that may impact multiple joints throughout the body. It typically begins in the foot and ankle. It impacts the same joint on both sides of the body, indicating that it is symmetrical.
The autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, the immune system assaults its own tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint’s synovium is attacked by immune cells, causing the joint to enlarge. Over time, the synovium infiltrates and destroys the bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Arthritis post-traumatic
After an injury to the foot or ankle, posttraumatic arthritis may develop. Dislocations and fractures, especially those that injure the joint surface, are the most frequent causes of post-traumatic arthritis. Similar to osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis causes cartilage loss between the joints. This condition can develop years after the initial injury.
Symptoms
Depending on which joint is afflicted, the symptoms of arthritis vary. A joint affected by arthritis is frequently agonizing and inflamed. In most cases, the pain develops progressively over time; however, an unexpected onset is also possible. Additionally, there may be the following symptoms:
- ache during motion
- ache aggravated by physical exertion
- Joint soreness upon application of pressure
- edema, warmth, and coloration of the joints
- Enhanced discomfort and edema in the morning or after reclining or resting.
- The walking difficulty caused by any of the aforementioned symptoms
