Arthritis Specialist

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis leads to debilitating joint inflammation, pain, and swelling that can make the simplest movement feel unbearably painful. While arthritis has a wide variety of causes — and the exact cause isn’t always known — some of the contributing factors include:

• Wear-and-tear, as with osteoarthritis
• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Overuse, trauma, or injury
• Obesity or being overweight
• A family history of arthritis

Occasionally, diet causes gouty arthritis (gout), especially if you regularly consume red meat, organ meats, sugary foods, and alcohol — particularly beer. Gout occurs when you have high levels of uric acid in your body. Over time, the uric acid buildup leads to painful, sharp crystals in your joints, which is why you feel sudden severe, stabbing pain.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The primary and most common symptom of arthritis is, of course, joint pain. You can develop arthritis in any of your joints, and the symptoms you experience may vary depending on how much you use the affected joint. Usually, men and women who have arthritis have at least one of the following symptoms.

• Joint stiffness
• Redness or swelling over the joint
• Decreased range of motion

When it comes to your feet and ankles, you may find that you experience agonizing discomfort with each step you take. Whether you suspect you may have arthritis, or have already been struggling with it for years, the specialized team at New York City Ankle & Foot can help.

How is arthritis treated?

Treating arthritis depends on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the specific type of arthritis you have. No cure exists for arthritis, although the podiatrists at New York City Ankle & Foot can relieve your discomfort and delay the progression of further joint damage. Your arthritis treatment plan may include:

• Supportive custom orthotics
• Bracing or specialized shoes
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Physical therapy and personalized exercises

If arthritis has already caused severe joint damage, or if conservative therapies just aren’t providing relief, you might need surgery. Arthritis surgery, known as arthroscopic debridement, can involve removing loose cartilage, bone spurs, or inflamed tissues.

In more severe cases, you might need to have bones fused together (arthrodesis), or a total joint replacement. No matter which solution is right for you, the caring team at New York City Ankle & Foot can help you every step of the way.

Book your arthritis evaluation at New York City Ankle & Foot today. Schedule online or over the phone.