What causes arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to inflammation within your joints. Medical experts recognize over 100 different types of arthritis, based on their causes and symptoms. You can develop arthritis due to:
- Infection, which is septic arthritis
- Obesity or poor diet, as with gout
- Wear-and-tear, such as osteoarthritis
- Autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury or trauma, known as post-traumatic arthritis
Plus, your risk of suffering from arthritis increases if you have a direct family member, such as a parent or sibling, who also suffers from arthritis.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center is home to some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic services in the Phoenix area. Dr. Durfey and Dr. Hiapo use in-office digital X-ray or ultrasound technology to get a glimpse of your joints and connective tissues while you’re in the office.
They also perform a head-to-toe examination and talk with you about your symptoms, which may include:
- Limited range of motion
- Joint stiffness
- Inflammation
- Tenderness
- Swelling
Once Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo diagnoses you, they spend time talking with you about your arthritic condition and what you can do to get your joint pain under control.
Which arthritis treatment is most effective?
Treating arthritis often involves combining therapies to relieve pain and prevent further joint degeneration. Your arthritis treatment plan from Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
- Cortisone injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
Surgery is often the last resort for arthritis. Dr. Durfey or Dr. Hiapo may recommend arthroscopic debridement to remove loose cartilage and bone spurs from your joint, or a bone fusion procedure. If severe arthritic damage is present, you could need a partial or total joint replacement.
No matter which type of arthritis treatment is right for you, you can expect comprehensive care at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. The podiatry team is dedicated to restoring your quality of life and helping you better manage your arthritis.
Before living another day with arthritis pain, see how the team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center can help. Book your arthritis evaluation online or call the clinic directly.
