Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Arthritis is inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints, and with 33 joints in each foot, your feet are an easy target. Arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain that make every step harder. At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM helps patients manage foot and ankle arthritis with treatments that reduce pain, protect the joints, and keep you moving.
Types of Arthritis That Affect the Feet
Although arthritis can appear at any age, it is most common in adults over 50. The two main types we see in the foot and ankle are:
- Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear and tear” arthritis, this is the most common form. Cartilage breaks down gradually with age or after an old injury such as an ankle sprain or fracture, leading to pain and difficulty moving the joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in multiple joints. In the feet, it can lead to significant pain, swelling, and deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Other forms, including gout and post-traumatic arthritis, can also affect the big toe, midfoot, and ankle.
Symptoms of Foot Arthritis
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Limited range of motion in the toes, midfoot, or ankle
- Pain and tenderness when walking or standing
- Redness, warmth, or swelling around the joints
- Bony bumps or changes in the shape of the foot
Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain and ankle pain, and it often worsens without treatment.
How We Treat Arthritis in the Feet & Ankles
With early treatment, arthritis symptoms can be lessened and managed. Your personalized plan may include:
- Activity modification and supportive footwear
- Custom orthotics to cushion and support painful joints
- Physical therapy and exercises to maintain flexibility and strength
- Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections
- Bracing to stabilize arthritic ankles
- Foot and ankle surgery, such as joint fusion or ankle replacement, for advanced arthritis
Older adults with arthritis also benefit from regular geriatric foot care, and patients who also have diabetes should keep up with diabetic foot care.
Arthritis Care Close to Home
We treat arthritis at our Pembroke Pines and Plantation offices and welcome patients from Miramar, Weston, and Davie. Explore other conditions we treat or our full list of podiatry services.
Foot Arthritis FAQs
What causes arthritis in the feet?
Foot arthritis can be caused by age-related cartilage wear, previous injuries, autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or abnormal foot mechanics.
What are the first signs of arthritis in the foot?
Early signs include morning stiffness, pain after activity, swelling around a joint, and reduced flexibility in the toes or ankle.
Can orthotics help foot arthritis?
Yes. Custom orthotics can cushion and support arthritic joints, reduce pressure on painful areas, and improve how your foot moves.
Are cortisone injections effective for foot arthritis?
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief in arthritic joints and are often used alongside other treatments.
When is surgery needed for foot or ankle arthritis?
Surgery may be considered when pain and loss of function continue despite conservative treatment. Options include joint fusion and ankle replacement.
Can I keep exercising with foot arthritis?
Yes. Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are often recommended, and the right footwear and orthotics can make walking more comfortable.
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect the feet?
Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis frequently affects the feet and ankles and can lead to deformities such as bunions and hammertoes over time.
Find Relief From Foot & Ankle Arthritis
You don’t have to accept arthritis pain as part of aging. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online to see Dr. Bell in Pembroke Pines or Plantation.