What is Arthritis? What Causes It?

What is Arthritis and what causes it?

 

              Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints.

This can be a disabling and occasionally crippling disease. Arthritis can occur at any age but is most common in people over 50 years of age.

It may seem that the foot is more susceptible to Arthritis; this is because the foot has 33 joints that can become affected.

    There are several causes of Arthritis besides heredity:

  • Injury from sports or industrial work (mostly those that have been ignored)
  • Bacterial and viral infections that strike the joints (pneumonia, staph infections, and lyme disease)
  • Bowel disorders (colitis and ileitis) usually result in arthritic conditions in the joints of the ankles and toes

Arthritic feet can result in loss of mobility and independence, but early diagnosis and proper medical care can help significantly.

 

Many patients that seeDr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS have previously been told "there isn't anything that can be done for Arthritis in the foot or ankle."  This is not true. Dr. Gale will be able to give you different options to help with your symptoms including: proper shoes, insoles, orthotics, ankle braces, or injections.

 

If you are suffering from joint swelling or foot and ankle pain Contact Us at Dakota Foot and Ankle Clinic today and ask to schedule your appointment with Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS

photocredit: elenute20030 via pixabay.com

Contact Us

Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic

Monday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed