Warning Signs That You Have Arthritis in Your Feet

Foot pain isn’t a normal part of aging. But people often equate foot discomfort with the inevitable passage of time, because foot pain is so common. What’s the culprit of many cases of foot pain that can develop later in life? Arthritis.

The continual pressure put on the joints of your feet can lead to arthritis. After years of bearing your weight and keeping you mobile, it’s not particularly surprising that issues with the joints of your feet can develop.

Fortunately, arthritis in your feet is as treatable as it is common, especially when caught early. 

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center in Laveen, Arizona, Kyle Durfey, DPM, and Brian Hiapo, DPM, treat arthritis and help patients watch out for the early signs of the disease. 

How arthritis affects your feet

Your foot is a complex network of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The bones in your feet meet to form 30 distinct joints, all of which can be affected by arthritis, which is inflammation of the joint.

Different types of arthritis can affect your feet differently. For example, rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to mistakenly attack your joints, while osteoarthritis develops as a result of wear and tear to the components that cushion your joints.

No matter the type of arthritis, it’s important to address it early. Arthritis is easier to treat in its early phases. What’s more, catching it early can prevent permanent joint damage.

Early warning signs of arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation lays out four specific warning signs of arthritis:

• Pain in any of the joints in your feet
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness in any of the joints in your feet
• Stiffness in any foot joint
• Difficulty moving a specific foot joint

Treating arthritis

If you notice any of the signs above, talk with Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo about what you’re feeling. They can help you figure out if arthritis is the cause of your symptoms. And if it is, they can provide personalized arthritis treatment. Among the options are the following: 

• Custom orthotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy
• Ankle-foot orthosis
• Stem cell therapy
• Cortisone injections

If you think you might be experiencing arthritis in your feet, book an appointment online or over the phone with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Dr. Hiapo, Dr. Durfey can help alleviate any discomfort and protect the health of the joints in your feet.