Arthritis and Podiatry
Podiatry deals with issues of the lower legs, feet, ankles, and walking mechanics. This diverse field covers the identification, management, and control of several foot problems.
Patients who have arthritis may find podiatry to be very helpful. This is because arthritis frequently affects the joints in the feet, making it challenging to stand or walk. Additionally, the disfigured and enlarged joints limit the kinds of shoes that patients can wear.
Podiatrists are aware that an appropriate pair of shoes won’t make your arthritis disappear, but they will help to lessen its symptoms and allow you to move around more easily.
Regrettably, arthritis is a gradual, irreversible disorder. Yet, controlling your symptoms proactively can help you maintain your mobility while living a fairly normal life. Your feet are a potential target for arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent kind of arthritis that affects the feet, but there are various kinds of arthritis that can compromise your comfort and the health of your feet such as gout. Despite the fact that arthritis is a key contributor to foot pain, podiatrists provide a number of treatment alternatives to manage your symptoms. It’s imperative to see a podiatrist if our feet exhibit any of these signs and symptoms:
- Sore or swollen joints
- Restricted motion
- Stiffness
- Any abnormality, including skin color changes
- Warm to touch
The effects of arthritis on the foot will be familiar to your podiatrist. They are aware that uncomfortable, swollen foot joints might result in a deformity or impairment that impairs your capacity to walk normally.
A podiatrist will first conduct a test known as a gait analysis. You will be instructed to take steps as the podiatrist examines your gait. They will watch how you walk, how much weight you bear on each foot, and whether you compensate excessively to protect an arthritic foot. The degree of joint mobility will also be of importance to a podiatrist. Additionally, X-rays and/or ultrasound tests can be recommended for you.
Pain and Arthritis Management
A customized treatment plan will be created using the findings of these examinations. This can include custom shoes that support your afflicted foot or insoles or orthotics to improve any issues with your walking stride.
The podiatrist may give you advice on the best kinds of shoes to buy, equipment that makes it simpler to wear or take off shoes, and how to keep your feet warm, particularly if you have circulation issues. Additionally, a podiatrist will provide you with walking tips that can lessen the strain on the arthritis affected foot.
If you have pain from arthritis or any other foot or ankle condition or have suffered any type of foot injury, please call Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill or Dr. Zeno Pfau at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. Our professional staff offers expert podiatry services at three Pima County offices: Tucson, Oro Valley and Green Valley. Please call us today at (520) 575-0800 to schedule your appointment.
