Arthritis is a degenerative condition that impacts joints. It can impact many areas of the body, but since each foot has 33 different joints, it often impacts these extremities. Read on to find out about a few of the signs it’s time to visit a podiatrist for Arthritis Treatment in Naples FL.
Swelling in Joints
Arthritis can cause inflammation. When one or more of the joints in a patient’s feet are swelling, it’s always a good idea to visit a podiatrist. This is true whether patients have already received a diagnosis of arthritis in other joints or not.
Recurring Joint Pain
Joint pain and tenderness are two of the most frustrating symptoms of arthritis. A podiatrist can suggest treatments to reduce pain. Podiatrists offer both medical and surgical treatments and work with patients’ primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to come up with a pain management plan that meets their unique needs.
Stiffness or Limited Range of Motion
Arthritis can also limit the range of motion in patients’ joints. Most patients experience an exacerbation of these symptoms in the morning directly after waking up. Since other conditions can also impact the range of motion in the feet and ankles, the first step to finding relief is always to visit a specialist who can offer a professional diagnosis.
Redness or Heat in Joints
Arthritis can sometimes produce noticeable redness and discoloration or excessive heat. Although these are not the most worrying symptoms of the disease, they may be a sign it’s time to seek Arthritis Treatment in Naples FL.
Available Treatments
The methods podiatrists choose to control their patients’ arthritis symptoms will depend on the severity of the disease. Most podiatrists will attempt to treat pain and inflammation using aspirin and other medications with functional orthotics. If the damage is severe, the podiatrist may recommend surgery to replace damaged joints.
Get Help Now
Know it’s time to seek professional help for arthritis symptoms? Kelly Malinoski DPM can diagnose arthritis and other foot conditions and suggest treatments that can help. Patients can visit our website to learn more about arthritis and other conditions impacting the feet and discover what treatments are available to help.