More than 54 million Americans are living with arthritis, a group of chronic ailments that cause joint pain and mobility issues. At his Houston-area practice, Kent Jarvis, DPM, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating arthritis of the foot and ankle. To schedule an appointment at The Woodlands or Atascocita, Texas, location, book online or call to speak with a staff member today.
Arthritis refers to more than 100 different conditions characterized by joint pain and stiffness. It can occur anywhere in your body but is especially common in the feet and ankles, which contain 30 joints and 26 bones.
Though there’s no cure for arthritis, it’s possible to minimize symptoms through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and conservative measures of care.
Dr. Jarvis specializes in treating arthritis of the feet and ankles, including:
Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage –– a soft, rubbery substance that pads and supports your joints –– breaks down due to wear-and-tear. Without cartilage to provide a cushion, your bones rub up against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack and damage the lining of your joints. Over time, your joints become tender and swollen, resulting in inflammation and decreased mobility.
Post-traumatic arthritis occurs following an accident or injury, like a sprain or fracture. If your cartilage or bone experiences damage, its mechanics change, causing it to wear out more quickly. Many athletes, including runners and jumpers, experience post-traumatic arthritis.
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to a build-up of uric acid. That build-up causes the acid to crystalize between your joints, triggering pain, redness, and extreme pain. Gout can affect any joint, but it’s especially common in the big toe.
To diagnose arthritis, Dr. Jarvis reviews your medical history and physically examines your feet and ankle. He then asks you a series of questions, including:
If necessary, Dr. Jarvis might also perform a gait analysis. If he suspects your symptoms are due to a fracture or other underlying problem, he might also recommend laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI.
Treatment for arthritis depends on the type and intensity of your symptoms. Usually, Dr. Jarvis recommends conservative measures of care like losing weight, minimizing activities that aggravate the condition, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes.
You might also benefit from physical therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, massage, or custom orthotics. If your pain persists or interferes with your ability to work or exercise, Dr. Jarvis might recommend surgery.
Don’t wait to receive treatment for arthritis at the practice of Kent Jarvis, DPM. Call to speak with a member of the support staff or book online today.
