ARTHRITIS
Foot and Leg Pain: It Could Be Arthritis
Foot and leg pain can be debilitating. The board-certified podiatric physicians at American Foot & Leg Specialists treat all types of arthritis that occur in the foot and ankle. They know it is a common disease which causes a lot of pain. In fact, it is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. More than 300,000 children and over 50 million adults suffer from the disease.
Patients who fear they may have arthritis have several complaints:
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion or difficulty walking
Arthritis symptoms vary from mild to severe. Foot and ankle pain from arthritis can come and go, or it may get worse over time. Sufferers have chronic pain and mobility is severely limited, causing the inability to perform normal activities such as routine personal care.
Arthritis is not curable. At American Foot & Leg Specialists, we strive to formulate individualized treatment protocols to relieve our patients’ suffering. Treatment can make life bearable, productive, and relatively pain-free.
When you visit one of our four locations, we will ask you to fill out a medical history form to provide information about your symptoms and past medical history, including detailing any injuries. Your physician will examine your shoes and discuss any medications and supplements you are taking.
We provide special tests for the feet, including gait analysis and X-rays. The gait test measures stride, tests foot and ankle strength, and records how the bones in the leg and foot line up when walking. X-rays show the shape of the bones, the spacing between bones, and can reveal how severe the arthritis is, making them valuable to diagnosing arthritis. The exam may also involve a CT scan or MRI to evaluate your condition. After completing the evaluation and reviewing test findings, we will make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.
Osteoarthritis
After we reach middle age, our cartilage wears out. When the surface of the ends of the bones becomes thin, swelling and inflammation set in, resulting in osteoarthritis. This disease is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis because it is common in older adults, but obesity and family history also contribute to developing the disease. The pain related to osteoarthritis gets worse over time. It’s important to seek treatment to slow the progression of the condition.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Another common condition doctors see at American Foot & Leg Specialists is Post-Traumatic Arthritis. This condition develops after a fracture, severe sprain, or ligament damage. An injured joint is more likely to become arthritic even if it was treated.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
When the immune system attacks and destroys cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis is the cause. This system-wide disease can be painful.
Non-surgical and surgical treatments for arthritis are available. The highly trained doctors at American Foot & Leg Specialists will discuss your options with you, as they want you to return to your normal activities – pain free.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results may vary.
schedule a consultation today!
American Foot and Leg Specialists draws patients from all over the Atlanta area. Our 4 locations in Stockbridge, Forest Park, Fayetteville, and Locust Grove, are just short drive from Midtown, Buckhead, East Point, College Park, Riverdale, Jonesboro, Irondale, McDonough, and Peachtree City. Schedule a consultation today to eliminate your foot and ankle problems.
