Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care

Arthritis in the feet and ankles can be painful, which can make daily activities like walking or standing difficult. Joint stiffness and pain due to arthritis in the feet and ankles can stop you from performing normal everyday activities. Without professional treatment, arthritis symptoms can worsen and become debilitating. At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, Dr. Matthew Hinderland is your podiatrist for arthritic foot and ankle care, as well as other podiatry services in Colorado Springs, CO.

Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

There are three different types of arthritis that can affect the feet and ankles. The three types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis — Develops over time due to cartilage in the joints being worn down.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis — Caused by an injury or other trauma to the feet and ankles, such as fractures and severe sprains, and can take years to develop.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis — Caused by the body’s immune system by attacking the cartilage in the joints.

Treating Arthritis in the Feet and Ankles

Arthritis of the feet and ankles is associated with inflammation, joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and pain. Living with the pain and discomfort of arthritis in the feet and ankles can interfere with daily activities and keep you from participating in the things you enjoy. Fortunately, treatments are available that can provide relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. At the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, your podiatry center in Colorado Springs, Dr. Hinderland can recommend effective treatment options based on your arthritis symptoms.

There are several options for treating arthritis in the feet and ankles. Some of these treatment options include:

• Caring for the feet and ankles
• Pain relievers
• Custom orthotics
• Ankle brace
• Surgery

In addition to seeking treatment for arthritis of the feet and ankles, it is also important to care for your feet and ankles daily. Simple actions such as wearing comfortable, supportive footwear and resting the feet throughout the day can help minimize arthritis symptoms. If you are overweight, losing some weight can also alleviate some of the stress on your feet and ankles, which can help minimize arthritis symptoms. Other ways to care for your feet and ankles include soaking them in a warm foot bath and massaging them.

Seeing a podiatrist regularly and caring for your feet and ankles daily are both important aspects of an effective arthritic foot and ankle care routine. For treatment of arthritis of the feet and ankles, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hinderland by calling the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, your podiatry center in Colorado Springs, CO, at (719) 488-4664.