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Reduce Arthritis Foot Pain | Alabama Podiatry
May 16, 2019
Alabama Podiatry provides tips to relieve foot and ankle arthritis pain during Arthritis Awareness Month
From over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy to steroid injections and surgical intervention, there are a variety of treatment options available to help reduce the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Working in the areas of foot and ankle health, podiatrists commonly diagnose and treat arthritis as a cause of foot and ankle pain. With 33 joints in each foot, and with a lifetime of bearing the full weight of the body, it’s easy to see why feet are highly susceptible to arthritis. There is no single cause of arthritis of the feet, therefore treatment options vary to accommodate for the severity and type of arthritis affecting your feet.
Arthritis treatment and pain relief
Depending on the type of arthritis, there are a number of treatment options, including:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
- Topical pain medications
- Exercise
- Physical therapy
- Icing the affected area
- Applying heat to the affected area
- Steroid injections
- Appropriate shoes
- TENS units
- Doctor prescribed medications
- Acupuncture
- Nerve blocks
- Pain pumps
The options listed above are common treatments for pain associated with arthritis. Some are practical treatments, such as applying heat to reduce swelling or taking OTC pain relievers, while others require a visit to a podiatrist.
When to visit a podiatrist
If you foot pain has become unbearable and OTC pain relievers or at-home remedies are unable to reduce the pain to a manageable level, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Not only will a podiatrist offer options to reduce your pain, but they will also be able to determine the cause of your pain and provide higher levels of care than at-home remedies or your primary care physician can offer.
If you are searching for someone to help with your foot or ankle arthritis, or if you simply have foot or ankle pain, contact Alabama Podiatry to learn how we can help.
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