A common affliction that affects multitudes of people the world over, arthritis, when it influences the feet, can have a drastic and deleterious effect on one's way of life and ability to get around. Mobility is a right granted to humans by the very nature of our anatomical structure. A feet-affected arthritis condition can hobble a person in ways that few other conditions can. Given the complexities of the structures of the feet and the types of arthritis that can affect them, specialized care from podiatrists is of paramount importance in almost every case. And that, of course, is podiatric medicine's unique contribution to humanity.
Understanding Arthritis in the Feet
Arthritis can manifest in several ways, and the feet are often affected. The most common forms of arthritis found in the feet are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates. Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the joint lining. Although the symptoms of arthritis in the feet can vary, they often include not just pain and swelling but also a feeling of stiffness and a sense that the affected joint just doesn't work right anymore. These feelings can combine to form what is essentially the arthritis foot experience, and it is not a pleasant one.
The Role of Podiatrists in Arthritis Management
Podiatrists are specialized health care professionals who concentrate on the conditions of the foot and ankle. In regard to managing foot arthritis, these experts offer a number of services that are tailored to the individual. The first part of any management plan is an assessment, and the podiatrist will take a thorough history and perform a physical exam. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may also be used to evaluate the extent of joint damage. Consequently, the most common type of foot arthritis that podiatrists see is osteoarthritis.
Podiatrists devise individualized treatment plans for patients suffering from arthritis. They take into account the kind of arthritis the patient has, along with its severity, to draw up a plan that may combine several treatment options. The treatments might be conservative, they might be lifestyle changes, and in some instances, they might include surgical intervention. When arthritis affects the lower extremities, turns the affected areas into painful knots, and meddles with the patient's mobility, the key component of the treatment plan is making the patient comfortable and managing the pain. Corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also part of the episode. In some cases, the plan includes physical therapy that makes the patients better at the activities that are necessary for them to get through life.
For arthritis sufferers, custom orthotic devices can offer pronounced relief. They include shoe inserts or braces. Just like with the over-the-counter versions, these are not one-size-fits-all solutions. To make a truly customized orthotic, a podiatrist must have a deep understanding of not only the patient's foot but also the patient's overall posture. This understanding allows the podiatrist to see how a foot (or the foot's joints) works�or, in the case of arthritis, doesn't work�while walking and standing. The brace or insert is meant to help the patient's foot and make it function better.
Conclusion
Regular check-ups with a specialist allow for close monitoring of the condition and give the patient a chance to have alterations made to the treatment plan, if need be, and to catch any new problems early.
Foot arthritis can be a crippling condition, but with the assistance of a podiatrist, it is manageable. The skills and knowledge of these specialists allow them to play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring foot arthritis. This condition can be treated in several ways. A podiatrist can help you find the best treatment or combination of treatments for you, and at the very least, keep you functioning at a level that allows you to continue enjoying your life.