Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle Treatment Options

Proper treatment of foot and ankle arthritis addresses both pain and joint deformity. Pain develops when the joint is injured. Injury to the joint may result from swelling caused by inflammatory arthritis or from the loss of joint surface (cartilage), often caused by trauma. If left untreated, the foot and ankle may eventually become deformed.

If your doctor suspects you have arthritis of the foot and ankle, he/she will ask you to have a complete medical history and physical examination. X-rays and laboratory tests often can confirm the type and extent of the arthritis. Other tests, such as a bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to evaluate your condition.

Once your doctor confirms you have arthritis, he/she will recommend a treatment regimen which may include medications by mouth (anti-inflammatories), injections (steroids), physical therapy, weight loss, or orthotics, such as pads in your shoes or custom-made braces. Surgery may be necessary. This may mean cleaning the arthritic joint, eliminating the painful motion of the joint, replacing the joint with an artificial joint, or a combination of all these.

After surgery, you will require a period of rehabilitation when your foot might have to be in a cast, and you might have to wear special shoes or braces for a while.

You Are An Important Part of the Treatment

You are often told you must live with arthritis, but that does not mean that you have to stop living. You should take an active part in your treatment. Seek treatment for arthritis as early as possible to help control pain and reduce damage to joints. Take medications as directed, exercise, control your weight, and participate in all aspects of your care.

Remember, if you have questions about the need for a test, or the risks or benefits of your treatment, ask your doctor. Even with the best of treatment, arthritis of the foot and ankle may continue to cause you pain or changes in your activities. However, proper diagnosis and treatment will help to minimize these limitations and allow you to lead a productive, active lifestyle.

_{*Source:  American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society® http://www.aofas.org}