Walking and standing can become extremely painful when you live with foot and ankle arthritis. Arthritis stiffness, swelling, and discomfort can all drastically reduce your mobility and affect your quality of life. If you have these symptoms, consult a foot and ankle arthritis specialist in Richmond.

The board-certified doctors at the Richmond Orthopedic Institute perform surgeries that relieve pain and restore functionality.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis of the foot and ankle is the deterioration of the cartilage in your joints that leads to inflammation, pain, and limited movement. The types of arthritis most commonly affecting this region include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Sometimes referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis usually develops over time as one ages and can negatively affect the joints of one’s feet and ankles.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This form of arthritis often affects both feet.

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs following an injury, such as a fracture or even a sprain. It may appear months to years since the initial injury took place.

No matter the variety, arthritis of the foot and ankle may make walking or even standing unbearable. Over time, the pain and discomfort will recur and progressively worsen, which is why they require treatment by a specialist.

Common Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

The symptoms of the arthritis of the foot and ankle may vary. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Reduced range of motion
• Swollen, inflamed joints after activity
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Pain following activity or weight bearing for long periods 

The symptoms can drastically affect your quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment from a foot and ankle arthritis specialist in Richmond can help slow the progress of arthritis and improve joint function.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Our foot and ankle doctors offer various non-surgical and surgical treatments for arthritis. These surgeons specialize in foot and ankle care and use a variety of orthopedic procedures to alleviate pain and restore mobility.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many patients can find relief by using non-surgical treatments. These may include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
• Special orthotic devices or braces that are worn to relieve pressure on the affected joints
• Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and participating in less strenuous activities

Surgical Options

Surgery may be an option for patients who do not improve with conservative measures. Surgical treatments for foot and ankle arthritis provided in Richmond include the following:

• Joint fusion, in which the bones of the affected joint are fused together to restrict movement and reduce pain
• Ankle replacement replaces a damaged ankle joint with an artificial one, which may restore mobility and reduce pain
• Debridement removes damaged tissue to reduce symptoms and enhance joint function

Each treatment plan is uniquely designed for the patient’s situation, but it always aims at reducing pain and improving mobility.

Find Relief from Foot and Ankle Arthritis with a Specialist in Richmond

There is no need to suffer from pain and discomfort from arthritis. The foot and ankle arthritis specialists in Richmond are prepared to answer all your needs. These specialists can help you find relief from noninvasive treatments to surgical options.

Take the first step towards restoring your mobility and quality of life. Call today to set an appointment and discuss your treatment options.