Arthritis Causes Foot Pain
Several types of arthritis can affect joints, muscles, and bones throughout the body, and can often be more pronounced in the feet and ankles causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthritic pain in the feet and ankles can now be treated with state-of-the-art laser therapy.
Some of the forms of arthritis that can cause pain in the feet and ankles include the following:
- Gout-induced arthritis—An excessive buildup of uric acid in the blood can cause urate crystal formation in the joints causing severe stabbing pain that often shows in the joints of the hands and feet. This type of arthritis frequently attacks the big toe. Even the slightest touch of just a bed sheet gliding over your toe can cause extreme pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—The immune system normally protects the body, but in RA the body’s immune system errantly attacks the thin membrane that lines your joints. The feet and ankle joints are often affected, causing joint damage, swelling, pain and disability.
- Osteoarthritis—One of the most common types, this kind of arthritis stems from the deterioration of cartilage that cushions the bones and prevents them from rubbing against each other. When the cartilage becomes too thin, pain and decreased mobility in the joint can occur. The big toe joint is most often affected but the ankle joint is also susceptible to this condition.
- Psoriatic arthritis—The skin condition called psoriasis is implicated in some arthritic conditions and frequently involves the ankle joint.
- Reactive arthritis—An infection of the gastrointestinal system or urinary tract can cause a reactionary type of arthritis creating inflammation in the kidneys and bladder and also causing swelling in the knee and ankle joints.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain due to arthritis, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!