May is National Arthritis Awareness Month – a time when we raise awareness of the pain and symptoms associated with this disease. Did you know over 78 million people suffer from arthritis? That includes over 300,000 children. This makes arthritis the number one adult disability in the U.S. 

 

Arthritis refers to multiple joint diseases. Your feet can also suffer from arthritis, making everyday activities painful. 

 

What Causes Arthritis 

 

The cartilage in your body is a firm connective tissue in your joints. This protects your joints from shocks by absorbing some of the pressure. When this cartilage tissue is reduced it can cause arthritis. Normal wear and tear from daily living or getting older can be one cause of arthritis. There is also a genetic factor to consider. Another cause can be an autoimmune disorder where your body’s defenses attack the cartilage. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis? 

 

When arthritis occurs in the feet, you may experience several symptoms, including:

 

• Pain when you move your foot or ankle 

• Discomfort when putting weight on your foot

• Stiffness in the joints of your feet and ankles

• Swelling, especially after you lie down

• Inflammation 

 

What Can Be Done?

 

There is no cure for arthritis, but you can do several things to help relieve the pain. A good podiatrist will recommend various treatments. One option is custom orthotics. These are shoe inserts that your doctor designs to the shape of your foot to relieve pressure and offer support in places where it’s needed most. Another benefit derived from custom orthotics is the reduction or elimination of pain in feet and ankles, knees, hips, and back.

 

If you are suffering from arthritis in your feet or ankles you can count on the foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC to provide fast relief for your aching feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. 

 Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville
(734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!