Arthritis

If foot or ankle swelling due to arthritis causes pain and other crippling symptoms, visit Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California in Auburn or Grass Valley, California. Skilled surgeon Marc Claydon, DPM, offers arthritis treatments for the foot and ankle to restore your mobility and quality of life. Call the office to schedule an evaluation or request an appointment using the online booking feature today.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an often-debilitating chronic disease that affects your joints. Osteoarthritis causes wear on the cartilage surrounding the ends of bones, while rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining. Gout is a form of arthritis that often causes extreme pain in the big toe joint. Numerous other types of arthritis exist.

Treatment at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California can ease your discomfort and restore the affected joint’s structure and function.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The hallmark arthritis symptoms include:

• Inflammation
• Joint pain
• Tenderness
• Joint swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Visible joint deformities
• Diminished mobility 
• Warmth
• Redness

The pain you experience may be mild, moderate, or severe. When left untreated, arthritis can cause crippling symptoms, including joint disfigurement and disability. 

What can increase my risk of arthritis?

The cause of arthritis isn’t always clear, but common risk factors include:

• Carrying excess weight
• Family history of arthritis
• Previous joint injuries
• Older age
• Gender

Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more common among women. Gout, on the other hand, usually affects men to a greater extent.

How does a podiatrist diagnose arthritis?

To determine if you have arthritis in your feet and ankles, Dr. Claydon asks about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment preferences. He examines your feet and ankles and may order blood tests, urine testing, joint fluid tests, X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, or another imaging procedure to finalize your diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. 

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment for foot and ankle arthritis may include:

• Making lifestyle changes
• Altering your exercise routine or diet
• Losing weight
• Using ice or heat packs
• Taking medications
• Receiving joint injections
• Physical therapy
• Wearing a brace
• Using custom orthotics
• Undergoing foot or ankle surgery

Surgery allows Dr. Claydon to fuse, repair, or replace damaged joints. He specializes in partial and total ankle replacement surgery to replace a worn-down joint with brand-new, sturdy components. 

He customizes a treatment that’s best suited to your needs and follows up with you to ensure the treatment is effective.

To find relief from foot and ankle arthritis, call the Foot and Ankle Surgeons of Northern California office or request an appointment online today.