Foot Arthritis: 5 Types & 6 Symptoms
Arthritis is a general term that can reference more than 100 different diseases. The primary symptom is inflammation and pain in joints throughout the body. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, today, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing more information regarding this condition.
Arthritis can be a chronic or acute issue resulting in progressive joint deterioration or degenerative damage. The cartilage that is lost takes away the cushioning in the joints, which means the bones rub together.
Most Common Types of Foot Arthritis
There are 5 types of arthritis that commonly occur in the foot:
Bone Spurs: Joint damage that worsens can cause an additional bone to grow at the joints, causing bone spurs to develop. They typically look like growths and can cause functioning problems in the joints, together with pain.
Psoriatic arthritis: This typically affects the toes when inflammation in the ligaments and tendons develops. It makes the toes swell like sausages, creating a lot of discomfort and pain.
Gout: Acid accumulation is the leading cause of gout, which is a more complex form of foot arthritis. Serious pain is a part of this condition, which usually affects the big toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This type of arthritis results from an autoimmune disorder and typically affects the smaller joints in both feet. It can also damage other areas of the body.
Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis comes from wear on the joints of the ankle and feet and can add to many arthritis symptoms. Weight-bearing joints such as the ankle are most often affected.
Early Symptoms of Arthritis in the Feet
Symptoms of this condition can begin suddenly or develop gradually.
Here are 6 symptoms of arthritis in the feet:
Stiffness: Stiff joints are one of the earliest signs of arthritis, particularly in the morning. The stiffness might not be overly bothersome but can worsen over time, diminishing your range of motion.
Pain: For many patients, arthritis causes pain in the affected joints together with stiffness. These symptoms are often the first indications of a problem and may worsen during activity.
Swelling: Damage and stress to the joint can cause inflammation, and the joint can swell to the point where it’s noticeable.
Deformity: The cartilage in the joints may corrode. Ligaments and muscles around the joint can also weaken, leading to deformities and deformed joints.
Warmth: When joints become inflamed, warmth and redness are often consequences of that inflammation.
Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that cause dents, ridges, and bumps around the affected joints, often at the ends of the toes or under the toenails.
If you think you may have arthritis in your ankles or feet, don’t let the pain worsen. contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.