Arthritis of the Foot
Unfortunately, there are over 100 different types of arthritis that can affect the human body. The most common form, however, is known as osteoarthritis. This form develops as we all grow old and wears style known as arthritis. What happens essentially is that the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones takes place.
The result is some of the worst pains you may experience, as well as swelling and inflammation in the joint. The hard thing about arthritis may develop into a unit that was hit, even if the injury occurred years or even decades earlier. This is known as traumatic arthritis and has the same symptoms as osteoarthritis.
Because there are so many bones and joints in the foot, is an excellent place for the development of arthritis. If it does develop in the foot, can alter the way you walk, thus putting stress and pressure on parts of the feet where there was none before, and it can bring in a whole series of other problems.
The parts of the feet that are most commonly affected by arthritis are the ankle, heel, arch and toe. The big toe is also central to the development of painful bunions.
The symptoms of arthritis in the foot are fairly simple. If you experience stiffness, aching, throbbing pain, tenderness, swelling and reduced motion, you may arthritis. Furthermore, not being able to walk long distances is another sign of possible arthritic problems.
So your not a diagnosis of arthritis difficult process, but your doctor can help out by keeping a group of daily pain. Once the pain becomes chronic and apparent that it will not disappear by itself, sit down and write everything I remember about the pain: When to start, how long it hurts, does not hurt during or after exercise, not it hurts at night when sleeping, it does get worse when you walk or run and causes migrate to different parts of the foot and ankle?
Upon arriving at the doctors office, you can expect to give the doctor your medical history and content of their daily pain. He or she will then give you a physical examination to try to detect the cause of the pain you are feeling.
The doctor may also do what is called gait analysis. This is a test so that the doctor can see how to drive and see how his leg and foot up the line. If the doctor is unable to make a correct diagnosis based on information to date, can request a series of films to do to see if the bones were degraded at all in the foot. Other tests, such as a CT or MRI can be used as well.
The treatment of arthritis is difficult. There is no cure and often, the damage is not reversible.
Treatment is aimed at alleviating the pain more than anything. The doctor may prescribe the use of over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol or Advil to kill the pain.
Supports the shoes are another common treatment that can reduce pain. Using a brace or cane might be needed as the arthritis worsens. For severe cases, surgery is common.
In general, arthritis is not a fun process. It can be very debilitating and painful. But if you take care of your feet over time, see their weight and wear well-fitting shoes, you should be able to avoid it.
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