Arthritis in the Feet

Arthritis is an inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Arthritis is a disabling and occasionally crippling disease afflicting almost 40 million Americans. In some forms, it appears to be hereditary. Although the prevalence of arthritis increases with age, all people from infancy to middle age are potential victims. People over 50 are the primary targets. If the feet seem more susceptible to arthritis than other parts of the body, it is because each foot has 33 joints that can be afflicted, and there is no way to avoid the pain of the tremendous weight-bearing load on the feet. Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence. However, early diagnosis and proper medical care can limit or slow the damage.

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the common symptoms for all arthritis disorders include varied levels of pain, swelling, joint stiffness and sometimes a constant ache around the joint(s). Arthritic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid can also affect other organs in the body with a variety of symptoms. Some symptoms are listed below:

• Redness or heat in a joint.
  
• Malaise and a feeling of tiredness
  
• Fever
  
• Weight loss
  
• Limitation in motion of joint
  
• Swelling in one or more joints
  
• Muscle aches and pains
  
• Tenderness
  
• Difficulty moving the joint

It is common in advanced arthritis for significant secondary changes to occur. For example, in someone who has limited their physical activity:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of flexibility
• Decreased aerobic fitness
  

Pictured above is a diagram of the foot

The most commonly affected joints in the foot are:

1. The toe joints.


2. The metatarsophalangeal joints. These are the joints located in the balls of the feet (in the forefoot area) — the joints where the toes attach to the feet.


3. The most frequently affected joint in the foot is the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. When this joint has osteoarthritis it is usually called Hallux Limitus or Hallux Rigidus, and people may experience: a reduction in how far the big toe can be pushed up (dorsoflexion),
   pain in the big toe when it is dorsoflexed, or each time we take a step and "push off",
   a "hard" bump or bone spur seen or felt on the top of the joint, swelling around the joint by the end of the day, which may subside with rest
   

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It can affect both the larger and the smaller joints of the body, including the hands, feet, back, hip or knee. The disease is essentially one acquired from daily wear and tear of the joint. Osteoarthritis begins in the cartilage and eventually leads to the two opposing bones eroding into each other. Initially, the condition starts with minor pain while walking but soon the pain can be continuous and even occur at night. The pain can be debilitating and prevent one from doing any type of activity. Osteoarthritis typically affects the weight bearing joints like the back, spine and pelvis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a disease of the elderly. More than 30 percent of females have some degree of osteoarthritis by age 65. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include: prior joint trauma, obesity, sedentary lifestyle

Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, cannot be cured but one can prevent the condition from worsening. Weight loss is the key to improving symptoms and preventing progression. Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and joints is very helpful. Pain medications are widely required by individuals with osteoarthritis. When the disease is far advanced and the pain is continuous, surgery may be an option. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, joint replacement does help many individuals with osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which, for some unknown reason, the body's own immune system starts to attack body tissues. The attack is not only directed at the joint but to many other parts of the body. In rheumatoid arthritis, most damage occurs to the joint lining and cartilage which eventually results in erosion of two opposing bones. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in the fingers, wrists, knees and elbows. In the foot, it frequently affects both ankles and toes. The disease is symmetrical and can lead to severe deformity in a few years if not treated. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs mostly in people aged 20 and above. In children, the disorder can present with a skin rash, fever, pain, disability, and limitations in daily activities. No one knows why rheumatoid arthritis occurs and all treatments are focused on easing the symptoms. With earlier diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many individuals can lead a decent quality of life. The drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis range from corticosteroids to monoclonal antibodies given intravenously. In rare cases, surgery may be required to replace joints but there is no cure for the illness.

Rheumatic fever has now seen resurgence in America primarily because of mass immigration of people from developing countries. The disorder can present with a migratory nature of arthritis with many other features like heart problems, skin rash, gait abnormality and skin nodules.

Arthritis of the foot and ankle can be treated in many ways, including:

• Physical therapy and exercise.
  


• Anti-inflammatory medication (pictured below is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory) and/or steroid injections into the affected joint. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

• Orthotics or specially prescribed shoes.


• Arthritic socks like, Silipos, the ones pictured below

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed and believe they are related to arthritis in your feet, please contact our office the Advance Foot Care Clinic at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us on the web at www.vailfoot.com . Our website has a link to our online store where you can purchase the anti-inflammatory topical Biofreeze or the Silipos socks. Feel free to browse our site and look for additional product as well.