Arthritis of the joints of the foot: symptoms and treatment of affected joints

The human foot is a unique structure that allows a person to move vertically. The foot withstands heavy loads and performs more than one important function: balancing, pushing, spring, reflexogenic. Accordingly, in the presence of pathological processes in the foot, for example, arthritis of the joints of the foot, the proper performance of any of these functions is at risk. In this article, we will look at what foot arthritis is, why it occurs, what factors must be considered when treating this type of arthritis.

What is arthritis of the foot joints, what are its features and varieties?

Arthritis of the joints of the foot (detailed information about the disease: http://sustavzdorov.ru/artrit/stopy.html is one of the forms of inflammation of the joints, localized in the area of ​​the foot. The joints consist of at least two bones covered with cartilage and encased in a joint capsule, which also contains synovial fluid.When the articular cartilage in the foot becomes inflamed, we are talking about arthritis of the joints of the foot.In order to treat this disease successfully, you need to understand:

• causes of foot arthritis;
• symptoms of the disease;
• its forms and varieties;
• existing treatments.

Why does foot arthritis occur?

The causes of the inflammatory process, i.e. arthritis of the joints of the foot, can be quite different – they range from injuries to serious comorbidities. The main causes of such arthritis are listed below.

1. Infections.
2. Autoimmune diseases.
3. Injuries.
4. Specific joint damage (urates, parasites, etc.).
5. Metabolic disorders.
6. Anatomical defects.

Depending on the cause of arthritis of the joints of the foot are divided into:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs as a result of an attack on the cartilage of the joints by the immune system.
2. Osteoarthritis – inflammation of a secondary nature, manifested by the destruction of the cartilage of the joint.
3. Gout, which occurs as a result of a metabolic disorder, namely, the deposition of urates in the joints.
4. Reactive arthritis develops as a result of infectious processes.
5. Post-traumatic arthritis is the result of a foot injury.

In addition, arthritis can be acute or chronic. Among the factors that can trigger foot arthritis are:

• stress;
• hypothermia;
• weakened immunity, etc.

Specific and non-specific symptoms of arthritis of the joints of the foot

The non-specific symptoms of arthritis of the joints of the foot coincide with signs of inflammation in any joint, while the cause of inflammation can be any. These symptoms include:

• pain sensations that increase during movement;
• restricted mobility;
• local edema;
• increased temperature of the affected joint;
• redness of the skin around the joint.

Specific symptoms vary depending on the cause of the disease and may present as follows:

• gouty arthritis of the foot joints is characterized by sudden severe pain, swelling and redness;
• with rheumatoid arthritis, there may be a general deterioration in well-being, stiffness in the joints in the morning, an increase in pain when walking, etc.

In general, it is almost impossible to determine the form of the disease on your own, based on the symptoms, due to their similarity. Therefore, the doctor is in charge of diagnosing the disease and choosing the method of treatment.

Treatment of foot joint arthritis: available methods

In the treatment of foot arthritis, it is important to focus on the cause of the disease, and not just relieve the symptoms (pain, swelling, stiffness, redness). That is why self-medication can not only bring no effect, but also aggravate the condition.

Among the treatments that a doctor may use, based on the tests performed and the patient's history, are:

1. Drug treatment (anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, agents for the protection and restoration of articular cartilage, etc.).
2. Special footwear.
3. Physiotherapy treatments.
4. Hormonal therapy.
5. Exercise.
6. Diet.

As a rule, depending on the cause of joint damage, the doctor prescribes complex therapy aimed at eliminating the root cause of the disease. At the same time, for all cases of arthritis of the joints of the foot, physical activity is mandatory (the doctor will tell you which exercises are useful in a particular case of the disease), as well as proper nutrition (mainly anti-inflammatory foods).