Running can be excellent exercise but without proper preparation injuries can result. Read on to learn how to avoid problems and keep your ankles and feet healthy.
Our feet are pretty amazing as they help us take thousands of steps each day navigating the world. However, most people don't give them much thought until they begin to experience pain like in the case of arthritis. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help decrease your discomfort and reduce the chances of further injury.
Drs. Todd Cox and Blake Peterson, along with our highly skilled staff of specialists at Yavapai Foot and Ankle Center in Prescott, Arizona, offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of ailments that affect the feet and ankles. We provide care that is personalized, convenient, and timely whether the issue is a single event like an injury, an ongoing issue such as arthritis or anything in between.
Arthritis occurs when one or multiple joints become inflamed and causes stiffness and pain. Given our feet have 28 bones and over 30 joints each, it's not surprising that the feet and ankles are often affected. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis but they all share one thing in common — the ability to make walking and daily activities difficult.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are steps people can take to help manage their pain and stay active doing the things they love.
Modifications to your lifestyle can help with arthritis foot pain. For example, listen to your body and try to avoid activities that increase discomfort. In addition, consider recreation options like cycling or swimming that put less stress on the ankle and foot instead of high impact sports like tennis or running. Finally, if applicable, lose weight as less pounds will decrease the amount of stress on your joints.
A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program to improve your strength, range of motion, and flexibility.
There are a number of types of assistive devices that can aid in improving your mobility. Shoe inserts known as orthotics and stiff soled custom-made shoes can decrease the amount of pressure on the foot while a brace can help in cases of ankle and certain other kinds of arthritis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken by mouth and cortisone can be injected into an arthritic joint to help reduce pain and discomfort.
For individuals who fail to find relief from these less invasive options, there are several surgical treatments that could help depending on the type and location of the arthritis and condition of the joints.
If you're tired of experiencing foot pain from arthritis, call our office at 928-445-4898 or click here to book an appointment today for a proper diagnosis and customized treatment plan.
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