Arthritic Foot Care

Each foot and ankle has a total of 33 joints. Bearing the body’s weight makes feet and ankles more susceptible to arthritis and its painful, often debilitating symptoms. If you are experiencing pain, arthritic foot care can help. Grand Central Podiatry: Ernest Levi, DPM, in the Midtown neighborhood of New York City, New York, is equipped with a skilled podiatrist with years of experience treating feet and ankles. Ernest Levi, DPM, helps patients live long and healthy lives through excellent care. Call the office at (607) 536-4515 to speak with compassionate staff. Or request an appointment online at your convenience.

Why would I need arthritic foot care?

Arthritis afflicts millions of people, causing swelling and inflammation in the lining and cartilage in joints. Types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

If you have arthritis, you’ll need arthritic foot care. The disease is very painful and sometimes even debilitating. Having to bear the body’s weight makes feet and ankles more susceptible to arthritis and its symptoms.

What is meant by arthritic foot care?

Practicing arthritic foot care at home can help lessen the severity of symptoms such as stiffness and pain. Care regimens may include any combination of the following:

Custom Orthotics

Custom-made orthotic devices provide much-needed support exactly where needed while preventing pressure and friction on sore spots.

Footwear

Flexible and supportive shoes with adequate arch support, cushioned soles, and plenty of room in the toe box are best. If you must wear heels, opt for a low heel.

Ice and heat

Ice, creams, and heating pads help increase circulation in the affected area, which may reduce symptoms and inflammation.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might offer some relief from arthritic pain, although these medications aren’t suitable for long-term use. Nor are these medications a permanent solution to managing arthritis.

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery is the best option. For example, when arthritis has severely damaged the ankle and pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility affect the patient’s quality of life, ankle surgery may be necessary. 

Ankle fusion fuses a leg and foot bone in one piece at the ankle. Ankle replacement uses metal and plastic prosthetics to replace damaged cartilage and bone in the ankle. Minimally invasive procedures may also be an option.

What can a podiatrist do for arthritic feet?

Arthritis is a complex disease. Podiatrists like Dr. Levi can provide professional techniques to ease uncomfortable symptoms and manage pain. 

For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, debridement surgery, like arthroplasty, can effectively alleviate arthritis symptoms in the foot. In this case, a podiatric surgeon removes cartilage pieces and bone that have broken into the joint or eliminates swollen tissue, causing painful pressure.

Arthritic foot care and other podiatry services available at Grand Central Podiatry: Ernest Levi, DPM, works to improve patients' quality of life and get them back to the daily activities they love. 

Call the office at (607) 536-4515 to get started. Or request more information online.