Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatments:
Although there is no cure for arthritis there are a number of treatments that can reduce pain, and increase function.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Some daily lifestyle changes can drastically impact ones lif:
- Reduce aggravating activates
- Switch to lower impact activities like cycling, swimming, elliptical to lessen the stress on your foot and ankle
- Weight reduction
- Oral or Topical Medications: NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen are used often to reduce the inflammation and pain to the joint. Periodically steroid medications are also used.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, an ultrasound guided steroid injection to the affected joint is used to provide direct anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and increase function.
- Custom Orthotic therapy: Custom inserts that go into your footwear helps to correct the structure and mechanics of the foot in an effort to reduce pain and pressure to the joint(s).
- Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joint(s) can provide increased stability to the foot and ankle.
- Advanced regenerative medicine like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Human Amniotic Fluid, Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint to reduce cartilage wear and cushion the joint (LINKS)
- Immobilization: Depending on the severity, the joint may need to be completely offloaded to take the pressure off. A removable Cast boot known as a CAM walker is typically applied and used for several weeks.
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Kalmar Family Podiatry, Podiatry & Podiatric Surgeons located in Huntington, NYKalmar Family Podiatry, Podiatry & Podiatric Surgeons located in Greenlawn, NY
Author Garrett Kalmar, DPM, AACFAS