Arthritis is a blanket term that describes a group of over 100 diseases. It is caused by swelling and inflammation of the joints. The most obvious symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by factors such as obesity, injury, and genetics. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, seek the help of Dr. Alex Yanovskiy. 

There are a few types of arthritis that could cause foot and ankle pain. They include:

Osteoarthritis

This is also known as wear and tear arthritis. It is the most common type and if often linked to age. Over the years, osteoarthritis changes the function of your foot and ankle. In most cases, osteoarthritis affects; 

  • Your foot bone and big toe joint
  • The joint that connects your shinbone and ankle
  • The joints that are linked to the outer mid-foot bone, inner mid-foot bone, and heel bone

Gout

You may have gout if there is a buildup of uric acid from the foods you eat. It mostly affects your big toe because it is located far from your heart. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is not very common but it is one of the most serious ones. It is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to fight your joint. It may affect the same joint on both sides of your body. 

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

You may suffer this type of arthritis after being involved in an injury. You are likely to have a post-traumatic injury after a bone fracture or dislocation. It can go unnoticed for many years. 

Psoriatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis typically affects more than one joint. Usually, it affects multiple joints including the toes and ankles. 

Do You Have Foot and Ankle Arthritis?

You may have foot and ankle arthritis if you experience the following symptoms:

1.     Swelling or stiffness in the joint

2.     Joint pain 

3.     Inability to walk or move

4.     Joint tenderness

5.     Physical changes in your ankles or feet

6.     Pain that does not go away when resting

Managing Foot and Ankle Arthritis at Home

If you have been diagnosed with foot and ankle arthritis, there are a few remedies that may help you manage it. Some of them include: 

Investing in the Right Shoes

Wearing the right shoes can help you manage arthritis. The right shoes should be comfortable and in the shape of your foot. They should be well-fitting, flexible, and capable of offering good support. 

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can help you manage arthritis. Some of the changes to make include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to limit the stress on your joint
  • Stay away from possible triggers
  • Do plenty of low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling
  • Adopt healthy stress-management strategies

If you have foot and ankle arthritis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment options depending on your needs and arthritis type.