Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a blanket term for more than 100 conditions affecting the joints. While each type of arthritis can have its own characteristics, all forms of the disease lead to serious joint damage. 

At Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates, the team of prominent podiatry experts treats arthritis within the feet and ankles. 

The most common types of arthritis in these areas include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens when cartilage (the protective surface on bones) wears away over time and can cause severe joint wear. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of foot arthritis, affecting nearly 17% of people over the age of 50. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that happens when the body destroys the joint lining, leading to deformity.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis occurring when crystallized uric acid accumulates in a joint. It can lead to joint warping. 

You rely upon your feet and ankles to function, so it's important to minimize arthritis damage by seeking care at the first sign of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis commonly include:

• Joint tenderness or pain
• Joint stiffness
• Redness around joints
• Warmth around joints
• Swelling around joints
• Limited joint movement

The most common symptom site with gout is the joint at the bottom of the big toe, but it can also occur in the ankles or other areas. 

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually occur in the big toe, heel, midfoot, or outer foot, and rheumatoid arthritis typically appears in the toes, ankles, and the long bones of your feet. 

How is arthritis of the feet and ankles treated?

The Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team performs a full-scale assessment of your feet and ankles to determine what type of arthritis you have. In addition, you may need in-office X-rays to check for changes in your joints. 

The team then recommends a personalized arthritis action plan to slow disease progression and curb your symptoms. You may need:

• Prescription medication
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Daily exercise
• Lifestyle changes
• Custom orthotics

In most cases, conservative treatments can preserve your foot and ankle function and improve your quality of life. However, should you need surgery to restore severely damaged joints, the board-certified Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates surgeons can skillfully perform the procedure in a local hospital or outpatient surgery center. 

The experienced surgeons offer a clinically-proven procedure for chronic arthritis in the big toe. The BioPro Hemi replaces the non-weight-bearing side of your big toe joint with a durable metal implant. 

The BioPro Hemi implant eliminates bone-on-bone contact in your big toe, restores your toe flexibility, and relieves your pain. After this procedure, you can bear weight on your foot immediately, and you'll have a fast return to normal activities. 

To learn about how arthritis treatment at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates can help you, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.