Arthritis

As you get older, or if you lead a physically active life, you may be prone to developing chronic joint pain in your foot due to arthritis. At Mercer Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Hamilton, New Jersey, Sameep Chandrani, DPM, AACFAS, and the experienced foot care team offer on-site diagnostic evaluations for chronic pain in your foot. They tailor a treatment plan that focuses on easing your pain and enhancing your mobility through joint injections, the use of orthotics, or the latest surgical techniques. If you have difficulty or pain when moving your foot, call Mercer Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, or request an appointment online today. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic health condition that causes inflammation and degeneration in the joints of the body. This disease is common in the joints of the foot, often due to age-related changes or from a lifetime of pressure from body weight and physical activities.

As arthritis progresses, you may notice that you can’t move your foot very well. Sometimes, the toes can’t bend as they should and remain jammed into the ground. 

This causes a callus, or thick patch of skin, to develop around the joint. You can also develop a growth on the joint, known as a bone spur, that also rubs against the ground or against your shoe.

Without proper treatment, arthritis in the foot can lead to a permanent deformity in the joint that limits your mobility and causes persistent pain.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

During the evaluation, the team reviews your medical history and examines your foot. They test your range of motion and identify areas of pain and swelling.

To confirm that your pain is the result of arthritis and not a fracture or other injury, your provider uses on-site X-ray technology to get a better look at the inner structures of your joint. X-rays can also identify bone spurs that might be contributing to your pain.

How is arthritis treated?

When the team treats arthritis in its earliest stages, they can ease your pain with anti-inflammatory medications. You may also benefit from using functional orthotics, devices that you wear in your shoe to relieve pressure on the foot.

If oral medications aren’t enough to control pain and inflammation, your provider may recommend injections that deliver medicines directly into the affected joint.

In advanced cases of arthritis, bone spurs may surround the joint, or you may experience deformities in your joint. In this case, your provider may recommend surgery to remove bone spurs and realign your joint for long-term relief of pain and mobility issues.

If you need help managing chronic pain in the foot due to arthritis, schedule a consultation at Mercer Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, by calling the office or requesting one online today.