Arthritic conditions that cause stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints tend to develop as you get older.
Arthritic conditions that cause stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints tend to develop as you get older. These problems can be particularly debilitating when they strike the feet and ankles. Each of your feet contains over thirty joints, making them a major source of joint pain, discomfort, and mobility problems when arthritis strikes. Be sure to see your podiatrist for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
3 types of arthritis that can cause debilitating pain and stiffness in the feet and ankles include:
- Osteoarthritis—This is the type of arthritis that everyone encounters at some point since it comes with the wear and tear of aging on the feet. A lifetime of constant weight-bearing and pounding of the bones and joints in your feet and ankles eventually catches up with you and the cartilage between the joints just wears out.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—This unfortunate disease is caused when your own body attacks the lining of your joints. For some unknown reason, your immune system mistakes the cartilage for an alien invader and proceeds to attack. The eating-away of cartilage causes debilitating injury, stiffness, and pain often in the hands, feet, and toes.
- Injury-induced arthritis—Joints of the feet and ankles that have suffered a previous traumatic injury, like from a severe sprain, are more likely to be affected by arthritis as you get older, even years after the initial injury.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from foot arthritis see your foot doctor for the proper care. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors that includes Geoffrey C. Epstein, DPM, Matthew J. Tavroff, DPM, Stuart B. Leon, DPM and Robert J. Leon, DPM is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.