Here's How Arthritis Affects Your Feet and Ankles
For anyone with arthritis, you’re well aware of how it can have a major impact on your mobility, especially in the feet and ankles. With over 30 joints in each foot, these structures are susceptible to wear and tear, inflammation, and injury.
When arthritis takes hold, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and challenges in performing sometimes even simple daily activities. At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, we understand how arthritis can affect your quality of life. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing personalized care to help our patients regain comfort and mobility.
How arthritis affects your joints
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation and damage in the joints, including the bones, cartilage, and surrounding tissues. The most common forms that impact the feet and ankles are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis gradually wears away the protective cartilage that cushions your joints, resulting in bone-on-bone contact that leads to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, swelling, and deformity. Post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, and often leads to long-term joint damage.
Regardless of the type, arthritis in the feet and ankles can cause chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty walking. As the condition progresses, it may interfere with balance and limit your ability to engage in everyday activities.
Why your feet and ankles matter
Your feet and ankles are critical for movement and stability. They provide the foundation for almost every activity you perform, and work together with other structures to support your weight and absorb shock.
When arthritis damages these joints, it compromises their ability to function smoothly. You may experience chronic pain, and swelling, particularly after periods of rest or extended activity. Over time, these symptoms can worsen, leading to more pronounced mobility issues and reduced quality of life.
Comprehensive treatment options for arthritis
At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, we offer a wide range of treatments to manage arthritis in the feet and ankles. For many patients, nonsurgical options such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and injection therapy can bring relief. These approaches help to reduce inflammation, improve joint stability, and ease pain.
For more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures like joint replacement or reconstruction are designed to restore function, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility. Our team carefully evaluates your condition to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Find relief from arthritis today
Arthritis in your feet and ankles doesn’t have to control your life. At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, we specialize in helping patients overcome pain and regain mobility with expert care and personalized solutions. If arthritis is affecting your daily life, call or use online booking to schedule an appointment with our skilled team today. Let us help you get on the path to a more comfortable, active future.