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Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis services offered in Fresno and Madera, CA

Up to 1 in 6 Americans 50 and older have foot and ankle arthritis. If you regularly experience foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with at-home treatment, don’t wait to seek professional help. At Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Jay Mukker, DPM, FABPM, CWSP, and Gavin Lee, DPM, specialize in diagnosing and treating arthritis. Call the office in Fresno or Madera, California, to make an appointment or book online today. 

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases affecting bones and joints. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint inflammation.

If you experience stiff, swollen, or achy joints that interfere with your mobility or quality of life, contact Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis include:

  • Tenderness
  • Pain
  • Reduced ability to move or walk
  • Stiffness in the joint
  • Swelling

As the condition worsens, you might also experience a popping or clicking sound when you bend or extend the affected joint.

When should I see a foot and ankle doctor about arthritis?

Make an appointment at Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center if you experience foot or ankle pain that lasts more than a week. That’s especially true if the pain keeps you from work or exercise and it doesn’t improve with ice, rest, or elevation.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose arthritis, your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, where the pain occurs, and whether it’s worse during certain activities.

Next, they examine your foot and ankle, looking for swelling, bruising, or redness. They also conduct a gait analysis –– a test that measures your stride and how you walk.

If these measures don’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, your podiatrist orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Diagnostic imaging allows them to look closely at your bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues.

How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?

Treatment of foot and ankle arthritis depends on various factors, including your age, the location of the arthritis, and the severity of your symptoms. Your Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center provider might recommend:

  • Losing weight
  • Custom orthotics
  • Inserts that support your foot and ankle
  • Bracing for joint support
  • Using a cane or a walker
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Corticosteroid injections

If conservative treatments don’t provide lasting relief, you might benefit from surgery. Several types of surgery are designed to treat arthritis, including arthroscopic surgery, fusion surgery, and joint replacement.

To explore the treatment options for foot and ankle arthritis, make an appointment at Advanced Foot Care and Clinical Research Center by calling the nearest office or booking online today.