Arthritis Specialist
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Southwest Foot & Ankle
Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Durango, CO, Cortez, CO & Farmington, NM
Though Arthritis anywhere in your body can certainly cause unbearable joint pain, the primary issue with foot and ankle arthritis is you’re left in agonizing pain with each step. Before Arthritis starts lowering your quality of life, learn how Nicholas Hugentobler, DPM, and the podiatrists at Southwest Foot & Ankle in Durango, Colorado, Cortez, Colorado and Farmington, New Mexico, can help.
Schedule your Arthritis evaluation by calling the office nearest you or booking an appointment online today.
Arthritis Q & A
What causes Arthritis?
There are more than 100 known types of Arthritis and many causes and risk factors that can trigger chronic joint pain. Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes persistent inflammation and swelling in your joints. You can develop Arthritis due to:
- Family history of Arthritis
- Previous injury to the area
- Autoimmune disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Wear-and-tear (Osteoarthritis)
Sometimes, factors like your weight and diet are to blame. With gouty arthritis, for instance, being overweight and having a diet high in purines — such as shellfish, red meat, and alcohol — can contribute to the formation of uric acid crystals. These sharp, jagged crystals build up in your joints resulting in severe pain during a flare-up.
How do I know if I have Arthritis?
One of the most notorious signs of Arthritis is joint pain. But as the condition progresses, you can start experiencing an array of other symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Arthritis include:
- Redness
- Joint swelling or inflammation
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
You could even find that your joints are overly stiff after long periods of inactivity, often while taking your first steps after waking up in the morning.
Because Arthritis is progressive, the condition only gets worse without proper treatment.
What is the treatment for Arthritis?
Although there is no cure for Arthritis, the skilled podiatry team at Southwest Foot & Ankle offers effective solutions to relieve pain and discomfort, improve the joint’s movement, and delay the disease’s progression. Your Arthritis treatment plan may include:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Bracing or splinting
- Specialized shoes
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Prescription Arthritis medications
In severe cases, you may require surgery to treat Arthritis. At Southwest Foot & Ankle, Dr. Hugentobler uses Arthroscopic and Minimally Invasive techniques to repair your joint and remove damaged tissues. If needed, he can even replace your joint with an artificial joint, such as with a total ankle replacement.
Book your Arthritis evaluation at Southwest Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.
