Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care Specialist

What is arthritis of the feet or ankles?

Since your feet carry your body weight around and experience a lot of wear and tear, they’re very susceptible to the complications of arthritis.

Arthritis of the joints and bones of the feet and ankles can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as complications such as:

• Numbness or tingling
• Skin rashes or heat/warmth in the area
• Growths such as corns or calluses
• Pain with motion or bending at the joint
• Clicking or popping noises

Osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms of arthritis that can impact the feet and ankles. However, there are more than 100 forms of arthritis that may also affect the foot and ankle.

What can I do to relieve arthritic foot or ankle pain?

One of the most helpful things you can do to relieve the pain caused by arthritis is wear comfortable shoes that provide room for you to spread your toes. In addition, your shoes should provide arch support so your weight is evenly distributed, and have a comfortable, flexible sole.

Avoid shoes with pointed tips, which squeeze your toes and cause pain.

Exercise is also important to keep the muscles and joints of the feet stretched and strengthened, which can prevent further injury and pain. Dr. Pfitzer and Dr. Brower at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle show you which exercises are safe for you to do.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also provide relief, in addition to some topical arthritis pain-relief creams.

How can you treat arthritic foot or ankles?

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are a number of treatments the podiatrists at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle can provide or recommend to relieve painful symptoms and slow the progress of the disease, including:

• Assistive devices (braces)
• Orthotics
• Custom-made shoes
• Prescription pain medications
• Cortisone injections

If your foot or ankle arthritis continues to progress, you may be a candidate for surgery. While non-surgical options are always the first line of treatment, sometimes surgery is the only possible option to relieve the pain. Talk to your Desert Canyon podiatrist.

It’s important to take care of your feet and ankles to prevent arthritic pain from slowing you down and interfering with your life. Let Dr. Pfitzer and Dr. Brower at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle in Avondale, Arizona, help relieve your arthritic pain.

Call or make an appointment online today.