Are you dealing with arthritic pain and stiffness in your feet and ankles?
Anyone dealing with arthritis knows pain. This chronic condition can affect just about any joint in the body, causing inflammation, stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. If our Vineland, NJ, podiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio, has diagnosed you with arthritis in the feet and/or ankles, you may be wondering what you can to reduce your symptoms.
Your First Visit
While arthritis isn’t curable, there are certainly many ways to manage your symptoms. During your initial consultation, our Vineland foot doctors will sit down with you and discuss your condition, symptoms, and detailed medical history.
From that, we will also be able to map out a customized treatment plan that will include exactly what treatments, medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes will provide you with the most effective relief. Of course, coming up with the ultimate arthritis treatment plan takes some trial and error, so patience is key.
Treating Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
The goals of arthritis treatment are to reduce both pain and inflammation while also reduce the chances of joint deformity. The most common treatment options include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
- Steroid injections (for severe pain and inflammation)
- Weight loss or weight management
- Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Bracing or splinting
These arthritis treatments are complementary, meaning that many of them are used together in order to provide ample and comprehensive treatment to manage a full range of symptoms. Talk to your Vineland foot specialist about which options are best for you, especially before starting a new over-the-counter medication.
Furthermore, we will also talk to you about treatments we offer. It’s rare for arthritis to require surgery but in some instances, it might actually be advised if the symptoms are severe and affecting your quality of life, or if other treatment options aren’t providing you with the relief you need.
Are you dealing with joint pain and stiffness in your feet or ankles? Do you think you might have arthritis? If so, turn to the arthritis experts at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, for a consultation.