Arthritis is a frequent finding in more than 100 different diseases. It is an inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the body’s joints that is typically occurs with an increase in the fluid found in joints. This is a disabling disease affecting almost 40 million Americans. Causes of arthritis include heredity, injury, joint infection, prescription and illegal drug use, autoimmune disease, and bowel disorders (colitis and ileitis). Symptoms are limited to joints and include swelling, recurring pain or tenderness, redness or heat, limitation in motion, and early morning stiffness. The foot has 33 different joints that can be affected by arthritis and tremendous pain may develop due to the weight-bearing load the feet must withstand.
Because arthritis is commonly felt first in the foot, a podiatrist is often the first physician to encounter some of the complaints. Diagnosis of arthritis is reached after evaluating lab tests and clinical presentation. Early diagnosis is important to effective treatment as destruction of cartilage is not reversible. The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, preserve joint function, and curing the disease if possible. A vast array of medication have been developed to treat the causes of arthritis but aspirin is still the drug of choice for many forms.
Three of the more frequent forms of arthritis found in the foot include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Its onset is generally gradual as aging brings on a breakdown in cartilage and pain slowly increases. The progression of this condition leads it to be called degenerative joint disease or wear and tear arthritis. It is also characterized by throbbing nighttime pain and muscle weakness or deterioration. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex chronic inflammatory system disease affecting more than a dozen small joints in the foot and hand. Its symptoms include morning stiffness, fatigue, weight loss, and may affect other parts of the body. Rheumatoid has a much faster onset than other forms and is distinguished by periods of remission. Gouty arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid (a normal product of the diet) in joints. It typically affects a big toe. Men are much more likely to be affected than women especially when they consume a diet with lots of red meat, sauces, shellfish, and brandy.
By Dr. Jordanna Baker of Coastal Podiatry Associates, Myrtle Beach SC.