Serving Utah Valley
Keep Moving: Management for Foot & Ankle Arthritis in Orem, UT
Do your feet feel stiff and achy when you first wake up? Do your ankles swell after a long walk? You may be experiencing arthritis, a condition involving the inflammation of the joints. With 33 joints in each foot, this area is a common target for arthritic changes. At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, Dr. James Hoyal helps patients manage arthritis pain effectively, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
Understanding Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
Arthritis is not a single disease, but a term that covers joint pain and disease. While there are many types, the most common forms affecting the feet are:
- Osteoarthritis: The “wear and tear” arthritis where the cartilage cushioning the bones wears down over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops years after an injury, such as an ankle sprain or fracture.
Regardless of the type, the result is friction between bones, leading to inflammation and pain.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in a specific joint (often the big toe, midfoot, or ankle).
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion, particularly in the morning or after sitting.
- Swelling and warmth around the joint.
- Difficulty walking or a change in the way you walk (gait) to avoid pain.
- Bone spurs (bony bumps) that develop around the affected joint.
At-Home Care for Arthritic Feet
While arthritis is a chronic condition without a permanent “cure,” you can significantly manage the pain and slow its progression with the right habits:
- Choose the Right Shoes: Wear shoes with a stiff sole and a “rocker bottom” (curved sole). This reduces the amount your joints need to bend while walking. Avoid flexible, thin-soled shoes or high heels.
- Low-Impact Exercise: Stay active to keep joints lubricated, but switch to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to reduce stress on the feet.
- Weight Management: Your feet carry your entire body weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can significantly reduce the pressure and pain in foot and ankle joints.
- Heat and Ice: Use ice after activity to reduce swelling, and use heat in the morning to loosen up stiff joints.
- Over-the-Counter Support: Cushioned insoles or soft arch supports can provide shock absorption.
When to See a Podiatrist
Many people assume joint pain is just a natural part of aging, but you do not have to live in pain. You should consult Dr. Hoyal if:
- The pain limits your daily activities or keeps you from exercising.
- You experience night pain that wakes you up.
- Your foot is changing shape or looking different.
- Over-the-counter medications are no longer managing the pain effectively.
- You feel like your ankle is “locking” or grinding.
At Hoyal Podiatry, we offer a range of treatments designed to keep you on your feet. These may include custom orthotics to offload pressure from painful joints, cortisone injections to reduce inflammation, specialized bracing, or discussions about surgical options for advanced cases.
Don’t let stiff joints stop you.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoyal today to discuss a personalized plan for managing your arthritis.