Arthritis Specialist

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term that includes over 100 different conditions that cause inflammation in your joints. You can develop arthritis due to:

• Overuse or age-related wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis)
• Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis) 
• Trauma or injury (post-traumatic arthritis) 
• Infection (septic arthritis)

It’s also possible to develop jagged uric acid crystals in your joints — especially in your big toe. This happens because decreased kidney function, a poor diet, or obesity drives up your uric acid levels. The resulting condition is called gouty arthritis or, more simply, gout.

When should I see a podiatrist for arthritis?

Arthritis is progressive, and the longer you go without proper treatment, the worse your symptoms are likely to become. The expert podiatrists at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists encourage you to come in for a comprehensive arthritis evaluation if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

• Joints that are tender to the touch
• Inflammation or redness over a joint
• Joint stiffness or limited range of motion
• Foot or ankle pain while exercising, running, or walking

It’s especially important to schedule an exam right away if these symptoms start to affect your job, daily activities, or exercise routine. 

Is there a cure for arthritis?

There’s no cure for arthritis, but the condition can be managed. The podiatry team at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists can provide treatments to slow the progression of your arthritis. It’s essential that you come into the clinic as soon as your symptoms begin. 

Depending on your specific diagnosis, your arthritis treatment plan may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Specialized arthritis pain medications 
• Lifestyle and activity modifications
• An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO brace)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics 

Some people with arthritis will require surgery to relieve pain and restore function. The doctors at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists have a surgery center at their Bradenton office to make this process more accessible and minimally disruptive to your life.

Surgeries that treat arthritic feet or ankles include fusion therapy, which involves fusing bones together using rods, screws, pins, or plates. Severe cases of arthritis often also require a complete joint replacement in which the damaged parts of the joint are removed and replaced with metal or plastic components.

Before living another day with arthritis pain, see how the team at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists can help. Call the office nearest you today to schedule an appointment or request one online.