Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Welcome to Apple Healthcare, your destination for expert foot and ankle arthritis treatment in Knoxville. Our experienced podiatrist is dedicated to providing you with the most effective treatments to help you regain mobility and reduce pain.
Understanding the Condition
Arthritis in the foot and ankle can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily activities. At Apple Healthcare, we understand how debilitating this can be and offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs.
Key features of foot and ankle arthritis
- Joint Stiffness: Limited movement in the foot and ankle, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
- Swelling: The joints may appear larger or more swollen due to inflammation.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the foot and ankle that may worsen with activity.
- Decreased Mobility: Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, or performing tasks that require ankle movement.
- Visible Deformity: Changes in the appearance of the joints, such as bunions or bone spurs.
- Crepitus: A grinding sensation or sound when the joint is moved, caused by damaged cartilage.
Common Causes
According to the Arthritis Foundation, some leading causes of arthritis include:
- Age: The risk of developing certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, increases with age due to the wearing down of joint cartilage over time.
- Genetic Factors: Many forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, have a genetic component where inherited traits can make an individual more susceptible to developing the condition.
- Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop years after a joint injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or severe sprain.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis involve the immune system erroneously attacking the body's own tissues, causing inflammation in the joints.
- Metabolic Abnormalities: For example, gout is a form of arthritis that results from an overload of uric acid in the body, which forms crystal deposits in the joints.
- Infections: Certain infections can trigger arthritis by causing inflammation in the joints. This is known as reactive arthritis or infectious arthritis depending on the scenario.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach for Foot and Ankle Arthritis in Knoxville
Our approach to foot and ankle arthritis treatment at Apple Healthcare begins with a thorough evaluation.
We take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
Treatment methods may include:
- Bracing: Using bracing to support the foot and ankle to aid in recovery and reduce pain.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the joints, and reduce pain.
- Joint Injections: We can use a variety of joint injections to provide cushioning and reduce pain.
- Referral for Surgery: Sometimes, even advanced joint injections and bracing are not sufficient to manage foot and ankle arthritis. In these cases, we can provide a referral for surgery at a local orthopedic office.
At Apple Healthcare, our goal is to help you manage daily activities with confidence and strength. We provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your recovery process.
If you are tired of living in pain from foot or ankle arthritis, please make an appointment today!
