Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis out there. It is called “wear and tear” arthritis, where the joints degenerate from prolonged use like an old pair of well-worn jeans or shoes. The protective cartilage within the joints begins to break down, and eventually, the bones rub against the bones and cause friction in the movement. There are several signs of osteoarthritis; stiffness in the joints, increased pain, prominent “knobbly” joints, a cackling sound, and a grating sensation with decreased movement of the joints.
Osteoarthritis can target joints like the hips, knees, and fingers. In this blog, we would like to highlight the osteoarthritis of the big toe and the ankle.
Osteoarthritis of the big toe and the ankle are the most common forms of osteoarthritis that our specialists at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group see in their patients.
1-Osteoarthritis of the Big Toe
The big toe sustains pressure with every step we take. So this joint is more susceptible to “wear and tear” arthritis. The cartilage breakdown is presented in two stages: hallux limitus, where there is a marked difficulty in moving the joint – limited movement. Without immediate medical measures and care, it will likely progress to hallux rigidus, where the joint hardens, and movement becomes impossible.
2-Osteoarthritis of the Ankle
Arthritis of the ankle usually develops due to previous trauma to the ankle or an injury. We recommend immediate medical treatment of the ankle injury to prevent its progression toward osteoarthritis.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and requires early prevention, treatment, and continuous care to prolong the life of your joints and enhance your quality of life.
It takes serious changes in lifestyle and dietary habits to keep osteoarthritis at bay. One of them is regular exercise and keeping excessive body weight at a minimum. Calcium-rich foods, vitamin D, and their supplementation, if required, can greatly improve the health of your bones and joints. Routine screening and medical check-ups can alleviate your chances of developing osteoarthritis-related risks. Osteoarthritis can leave a person handicapped. Even the simple daily chores of life can become painful. At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first, find a podiatrist in your area.
