Can arthritis affect my feet?

Yes, as we age the normal day-to-day wear and tear on our feet can start to cause problems. Arthritis means the swelling of a joint, and your foot has over 30 joints where it can occur. As the cartilage around the joint starts to wear away, the bones begin to rub together. This can cause pain, inflammation, and could even change the shape of your foot.

There are three types of arthritis that affect the feet and ankles:

• Osteoarthritis- Occurs over time with day to day wear and tear. It is most commonly found in people who are middle-aged and older.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis- Is a system-wide disease, where your immune system actually eats away at your cartilage.
• Post- Traumatic Arthritis- Often develops after a foot or ankle injury, and could appear years after the initial injury.

Request an appointment today if you are experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, or just have trouble getting around to complete daily activities. A thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles will be necessary to determine if you are experiencing the effects of arthritis. Dr. Marco Vargas will identify the source of your foot pain and prescribe the best possible treatment for you.