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Osteoarthritis

Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers

Podiatrists, Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Arlington, TX & Mansfield, TX

Osteoarthritis causes discomfort, disability, and often severe pain for millions of people, but you don’t need to accept osteoarthritis as an inevitable consequence of aging. Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, with two locations in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, have a team of expert podiatrists on hand who use the latest technology and medical developments to improve quality of life for people with osteoarthritis. Call the practice today to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool.

Osteoarthritis Q & A

What is osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis develops because of wear-and-tear damage to the joint cartilage, which causes bones to rub against one another, leading to inflammation and pain.

These changes take place gradually over many years, which is why older people are more likely to experience symptoms of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

You may be familiar with the symptoms of osteoarthritis from spending time with older friends and relatives, who are likely to complain of:

  • Pain in the joints
  • Inflammation
  • Stiff joints
  • Mobility problems
  • Difficulty gripping objects
  • Loss of strength

Older people frequently associate these symptoms with osteoarthritis, but it’s best to seek a professional medical diagnosis to rule out any other cause and make sure you receive the best available treatment. Diagnostic tests such as digital X-rays, MRI, and CT scans can confirm a suspected diagnosis and illustrate the extent of the joint damage.

What treatments are available for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis isn’t curable, but there are a number of effective treatment options available that ease pain and improve function. If osteoarthritis is affecting your feet and ankles, your podiatrist at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers can draw up a customized treatment plan for you using the most appropriate methods for your condition, such as:

  • Pain-relieving medication
  • Topical anti-inflammatories
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Custom shoes or orthotic inserts
  • Leg braces
  • Physical therapy
  • Weight loss programs
  • Healthy lifestyle advice
  • Stem cell therapy
  • PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
  • Prolotherapy

Surgery to repair or replace joints is also an option that you can discuss with your podiatric surgeon. Your doctor only advises surgery when there are no viable alternatives, but if you do need a joint replacement, several members of the team have certification in the highly specialized skills required to perform joint replacement surgery.

Researchers are continually working on developing new treatments for osteoarthritis, and the physicians at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers monitor clinical research findings to provide you with the latest forms of treatment. Find the most effective relief available for the pain of osteoarthritis by calling the practice today or booking an appointment online.