How Podiatrists Address Common Arthritis Problems

Arthritis causes joint inflammation, and it typically settles in the feet and ankles. You might notice stiffness, swelling, or pain that grows worse over time. Since the feet carry your full weight, arthritis in the feet affects your mobility quickly. Podiatrists use several methods to manage this joint damage and reduce discomfort. Here is more information on ways they can address arthritis problems:

Ankle Braces

An ankle brace supports the joint, and it limits motion that triggers pain. Podiatrists may start here because braces offer a nonsurgical option. If your arthritis is mild, a brace may hold the joint in a stable position. This support reduces stress on damaged cartilage during daily movement.

Braces come in several styles depending on your needs, and a podiatrist might recommend one of the following:

Lace-up braces for flexible support
Rigid braces for firmer stability
Custom braces molded to your foot

Joint Injections

If you are looking for ways to manage your arthritis pain without undergoing surgery, injection therapies can be a highly effective option. These treatments work by targeting the damaged joint directly to reduce discomfort and support your recovery, helping you move more easily.

Allograft Injections

Allograft injections use donor tissue to help repair damaged areas within your joint. When cartilage wears down, it acts as a natural cushion, filling gaps that cause painful friction. Your podiatrist typically can perform this simple injection right in the office, making it a practical choice if you want to delay or avoid surgery.

PRP Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own natural healing power. During an office visit, your podiatrist will draw a small amount of your blood and spin it in a machine to concentrate the healing platelets. This concentrated plasma, rich in growth factors, is then injected back into your joint to target inflammation directly. The process is straightforward and involves just three steps:

Performing a routine blood draw from your arm
Spinning the sample in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets
Injecting the healing plasma directly into your joint

Fusion Surgery

Fusion surgery joins two bones, and it removes the painful joint entirely. Surgeons use screws or plates to hold the bones together. When arthritis destroys a joint fully, fusion stops the bone-on-bone grinding. Podiatrists suggest this option after conservative methods stop working. Since the joint no longer moves, pain from motion disappears, and your podiatrist monitors the bones as they knit together.

Arthroplasty Procedures

Arthroplasty replaces a damaged joint, and it aims to preserve some natural movement. Surgeons remove worn surfaces during the operation. When you want to keep flexibility, this procedure offers an alternative to fusion. Podiatrists weigh your activity level before recommending it.

The surgeon fits an implant into the cleared joint space. Recovery includes physical therapy, and it rebuilds strength over time. Since the implant mimics joint function, you retain a degree of bending. Your podiatrist tracks the implant during follow-up visits.

Get Treated for Arthritis

Arthritis in your feet and ankles responds to a range of treatments; braces support mild cases, and injections target inflamed tissue. When damage grows severe, fusion or arthroplasty addresses the joint directly. A podiatrist examines your condition and matches a method to your needs. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to discuss your options.