Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

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.

What are the types of arthritis?

Dr. Jarvis specializes in treating arthritis of the feet and ankles, including:

Osteoarthritis

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

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

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

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.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

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:

• When did the pain start?
• Are there any activities that make it worse?
• Is the pain worse at night or in the morning when you first wake up?
• Does the pain affect one or both feet?

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. 

How is arthritis treated?

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.