Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack your joints in a similar way to how it would fight off an infection. This causes inflammation in your joints that inhibits your mobility. Left untreated, the inflammation can eventually cause the cartilage in your joints to break down, causing significant pain and further inhibiting your mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis, which approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from, can affect more than just your joints, and it is important that you seek treatment right away if you believe you suffer from this condition.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis goes by a few different names, including degenerative joint disease and degenerative arthritis. Whatever term you use, you are not alone if you suffer from osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles. Approximately 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis every day.

This chronic condition causes the cartilage in your joints to break down, causing pain and inhibiting a joint’s ability to move. The big toe is the most common part of the foot to be affected by osteoarthritis.

Posttraumatic Arthritis in the Ankles

If you suffered a past injury to your ankle, that injury can cause the cartilage in your joints to wear away. This condition is called posttraumatic arthritis. This form of arthritis acts similarly to osteoarthritis.

Treatments for Arthritis in the Foot or Ankle

There are a variety of treatments available for those suffering from arthritis. Our podiatrists will recommend the best options for you based on your specific case.

Potential initial treatments may include one or some of the following:

• Laser therapy
• EPAT shock wave therapy
• Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on the painful joints
• Corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Icing the joint
• Shoe recommendations
• Stretching exercises
• Wearing splints at night to stretch your foot or ankle while you sleep
• Physical therapy to offer pain relief and promote healing
• Surgery is always considered a last resort for arthritis treatment. If all other options have been ineffective, surgery may be recommended for cases where prolonged arthritis has caused damage to your foot or ankle

The best way to address your arthritis pain is to see one of our experienced podiatrists right away for a consultation. During your initial exam, our doctor will examine your foot and ankle, learn your medical history, and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing. Your treatment recommendation will take your needs into account, as well as our doctor’s medical evaluation.

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Experience 5-Star Arthritis Treatment in Levittown & New York, NY

Experience our 5-star-rated podiatry care by scheduling your New West Podiatry New Patient Assessment today. Simply call (212) 874-1190  to reach our Manhattan office, (516) 579-2800 to reach our Long Island office, or click here to use our convenient online form. Your appointment includes:

• Discuss Your Goals & Concerns
• Complete Exam
• Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
• Start Treatment At Your First Visit!

During your appointment, we will take the time to answer any questions you have about our podiatrists, our treatments, our offices, or anything else you may want to know about us. We can’t wait to help you get back to living your life pain-free!

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As one of the premier podiatry practices in Levittown & New York, NY, our podiatrists and team at New West Podiatry also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients from East Meadow, Merrick, Bellmore, Hicksville & Plainview, NY & the surrounding areas.