Arthritis is a common chronic disease, especially as you age. Overuse, pressure, weight gain, lack of exercise, and injuries can all contribute to degenerative joint disease, a condition known as arthritis. Dr. Tatiana Wellens and Dr. Maria Jaramillo-Dolan at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center offer comprehensive podiatry services, including regular checkups and arthritis treatment for your feet and ankles. They have three convenient office locations in Winter Haven, Davenport, and Lakeland, FL.

How Arthritis Affects Your Feet and Ankles

Arthritis causes degenerative changes in bones and joints all over your body, including your feet and ankles. There are two main types of arthritis, which are:

Osteoarthritis is caused by general wear-and-tear and aging joints. The cartilage gradually wears away, resulting in bone-on-bone contact. Osteoarthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of function and mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by autoimmune factors. It can affect all age groups and result in ligament, tendon, and joint destruction.

Regular podiatry checkups can help identify arthritis in its early stages when it can be more effectively treated. During your podiatry checkup for arthritis, your podiatrist can:

• Take imaging studies to determine the severity of arthritis and areas affected
• Perform a thorough physical examination of your feet and ankles
• Assess pain, stiffness, swelling, range of motion and level of mobility

Depending on the severity of arthritis, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Custom-fit orthotics to support your feet and help you walk
• Custom-made footwear, braces, or canes
• Physical therapy to increase range of motion and mobility
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory pain and arthritis medications
• Corticosteroid injections into joints to decrease swelling and pain

In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Options include fusing the joints, arthroscopic debridement, or joint replacement.

Want To Know More About How Arthritis Can Affect Your Feet and Ankles?

Remember that arthritis is progressive, so visiting your podiatrist for regular checkups can help keep arthritis from getting worse. To learn more about how arthritis can affect your feet and ankles and the importance of regular checkups with your podiatrist, call Dr. Wellens and Dr. Jaramillo-Dolan at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center. You can reach them in any of their offices in Winter Haven, Davenport, and Lakeland, FL, by calling (863) 299-4551, so call today.