Arthritis is a broad medical term that consists of several conditions that impact your body's joints. Foot arthritis, which can be painful and disrupt one's daily routine in Clinton, and Jonesville, MI (or surrounding communities), refers to the inflammation/degeneration of the foot's joints. If you experience foot pain/discomfort, Dr. David Levitsky at the Clinton Foot & Ankle Clinic can diagnose and help manage the inflammation and optimize joint function in your foot.
The Causes of Foot Arthritis
The most common foot arthritis causes include the following -
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is a naturally occurring erosion/wear-and-tear of cartilage in the joints as a function of time. This type of arthritis is most often seen in middle-aged and older adults because one's age is typically the leading factor that contributes to osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking its joints. This autoimmune disorder is characterized by joint inflammation (which can happen in any joint). If left untreated or undiagnosed, RA can affect the target joint's functioning.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis resembles osteoarthritis because it refers to the cartilage's erosion – but instead of age, the cause of the erosion is an injury. The type of injury will vary but may include the following –
- A fracture or dislocation
- A ligament tear, etc.
The above-noted injuries have the potential to affect your joints' normal functioning, which will likely accelerate the erosion of the cushioning provided by the joint's cartilage.
Factors That May Contribute to the Development of Foot Arthritis
The following are contributing factors of arthritis in the foot –
Genetics or Family History
Genetic factors can impact one's development of arthritis.
Irregular/Poor Foot Mechanics
High arches, flat feet, misaligned joints, or other irregular food mechanics can cause stress on the foot's joints. This can then accelerate the cartilage's natural cushioning.
Overuse/Repetitive Stress
Running, jumping, or working at a job that requires many hours of walking or standing can contribute to foot arthritis.
Obesity
Excess weight increases the joint stress in your feet and overall body.
Symptoms of Foot Arthritis
Foot arthritis symptoms may include one or more of the following -
- Acute/Chronic Pain.
- Swelling/Stiffness.
- A limited range of motion.
- Difficulty with walking or activities where you use your feet.
Contact a Leading Michigan Podiatrist Today
If you are experiencing arthritic symptoms in your feet, contact Dr. Levitsky at the Clinton Foot & Ankle Clinic at (517) 456-4114, or online. We look forward to serving you at one of our Michigan locations - Clinton, and Jonesville, MI.