Arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, particularly when it affects your feet and ankles. Fortunately, our team of podiatrists at Shady Grove Podiatry specializes in treating conditions like foot arthritis and can offer a range of solutions to effectively manage your symptoms and improve your overall mobility.
Here are five ways our podiatrists can help you manage arthritis pain in your feet and ankles, so you can maintain a comfortable, active lifestyle.
1. Assessment of Symptoms & Diagnostics
Receiving an accurate diagnosis is a crucial first step for developing an effective arthritis treatment plan. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, such as pain, swelling and stiffness, and use diagnostic imaging tools to pinpoint the underlying cause of your arthritis. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend also consulting with a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, depending on your diagnosis. This ensures a comprehensive and personalized treatment approach that meets your specific needs.
2. Footwear Recommendations
Proper footwear can help to reduce pain and improve your mobility, making daily activities more comfortable. Your podiatrist can recommend shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning and stability to reduce arthritis pain and prevent further joint damage. For example, your doctor might suggest shoes with a wide toe box, low heels and good arch support to minimize pressure on arthritic joints.
3. Custom Insoles
Custom insoles, or orthotics, are tailored to your specific foot shape and condition. These devices can provide additional support, redistribute body weight and improve joint alignment, helping to alleviate foot and ankle pain associated with arthritis. Additionally, custom insoles can reduce pressure on other arthritic joints, enhance stability and prevent the progression of foot deformities.
To get started, your podiatrist will take precise measurements and molds of your feet to create custom insoles shaped for your feet that address your specific needs.
4. Physical Therapy
Regular physical therapy sessions can help you maintain joint function, reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of foot arthritis. Your podiatrist can create a customized physical therapy plan for you that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve flexibility and enhance your range of motion. Physical therapy can also include methods such as massage and joint mobilization to help reduce pain and stiffness and improve overall comfort.
5. Medications & Surgical Intervention
In some cases, medications may be necessary to help manage arthritis symptoms more effectively. Your podiatrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
If non-surgical treatments are not effective or are no longer working as well as they used to, your podiatrist may discuss surgical options with you. Surgical interventions can range from minimally invasive procedures to joint fusion or replacement, depending on the severity of your arthritis.
If you or a loved one are struggling to manage foot or ankle pain caused by arthritis, our team of experienced podiatrists can help. Call our Gaithersburg office at 301-948-2995 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment plan.
