Throughout our lives, our feet are constantly stressed from bearing our weight and from the additional impact caused by walking and running. This can lead to inflammatory changes in the bone and soft tissue, resulting in one or more foot problems. The risk of serious foot problems, as we age, increases with congenital deformities, diseases of the blood vessels, nerves, skin, joints, and hormones. The foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints. Many people experiencing pain involving one or more of these joints. The pain may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, bruising and/or increased warmth over the affected joints. Joint pain may be caused by trauma, infection, inflammation, arthritis, bursitis, gout, or structural foot problems. It is initially treated with rest, elevation and limitation of walking/weight bearing on the painful foot. Custom orthotics may be prescribed to support the foot and reduce the pain. Your podiatrist in Middletown can best determine the cause of joint pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Foot and Ankle Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body. It most often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet, and usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. More than 90% if people with arthritis develop symptoms in the foot and ankle over the course of the disease. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. There may be a genetic reason ?some people may be more likely to develop the disease because of family heredity. The most common symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects one specific joint, rheumatoid arthritis usually appears in both feet, affecting the same joints on each foot. Difficulty with inclines (ramps) and stairs are the early signs of ankle arthritis. As it progresses, simple walking and standing can become painful. The main function of the hindfoot is to perform the side-to-side motion of the foot. Difficulty walking on uneven ground, grass, or gravel is an initial sign. Adult Acquired Flat Foot There are a variety of foot problems that can lead to adult acquired flat foot deformity, a condition that results in a fallen arch with the foot pointed outward. Most people ?no matter what the cause of their flat foot, can be helped with orthotics and braces. In patients who have tried orthotics and braces without relief, surgery can be a very effective way to help with the pain and deformity. Some common symptoms of flat foot include: ?Pain along the course of the posterior tibial tendon which lies on the inside of the foot and ankle. ?Pain that is worse with activity ?When the foot collapses, the heel bone may shift position and put pressure on the outside ankle bone ?Patients with an old injury or arthritis in the middle of the foot can have painful, bony bumps on the top and inside of the foot. ?Diabetics may only notice swelling or a large bump on the bottom of their foot because their sensation is affected. Contact your Middletown podiatrist today for more information on how to properly take care of your feet and you age. Proper prevention and treatment now may potentially prevent worsening of symptoms.
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