Arthritis

Foot Care Important for Arthritis Patients

Arthritis, characterized by inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues and lining of the joins, afflicts almost 40 million Americans. Although every joint in the body is susceptible to arthritis, the foot and its composition of 33 joints is a common target.

“Arthritic feet can interfere with active lifestyles, limiting mobility and independence,” says Dr. Raul Maldonado, DPM, a Podiatrist in Harlingen. “The disabling effects of arthritis can often be avoided through early diagnosis and appropriate medical care.”

Dr. Maldonado, who is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), stresses early diagnosis as key to effective treatment of arthritis. If the inflammation of arthritic disease isn’t treated, both soft tissue and cartilage can be damaged and destruction of the cartilage may be irreversible.

Arthritic symptoms generally include swelling and pain or tenderness in one or more joints for more than two weeks, redness or heat in a joint, limitation of motion of a joint, early morning stiffness, and skin changes, including rashes.

Symptoms vary according to the form of arthritis and there are more than 100 different forms. Each form affects the body differently. Among the most recognized forms are:

• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (wear and tear), the most common form
• Rheumatoid arthritis, a complex, chronic inflammatory disease that can be crippling
• Gouty arthritis, a condition caused by elevation of uric acid levels -- sometimes a by-product of diet -- in the joints
• Septic arthritis or infectious arthritis, caused when bacteria spread from an infection through the bloodstream to a joint
• Psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.

“Most forms of arthritis cannot be cured, but can be controlled and brought into remission,” Dr. Raul Maldonado says. “Arthritis treatment involves controlling inflammation and preserving joint function, or restoring it. Surgery is indicated in end-stage arthritic condition.”

Traditional treatment methods include anti-inflammatories, pain medication, shoe inserts called orthoses that help with off-loading the joints affected, and physical therapy and exercise.

In addition to the traditional treatments, Dr. Maldonado points out that there are new advancements in treatment for arthritis. A whole new class of anti-inflammatories are being introduced that are as effective as those currently available, but they have less side effects such as gastrointestinal distress. There has also been preliminary success with different types of injections into the joints to repair the cartilage and joint structures.

“Another critical aspect to the treatment of arthritis is patient education and involvement,” says Dr. Maldonado. “Recognizing the symptoms and following the prescribed treatment regimen, including appropriate medication, modification in diet and appropriate professional follow-up, are of equal importance.”

For more information on foot care, arthritis, and related medical conditions, consult your physician and visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ website at www.acfas.org.

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