Arthritis is a common condition that can impact any of a patient’s joints, but podiatric specialists like those at Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates tend to focus on arthritis of the big toe joint, as this is the most common form of the disease affecting the feet. Patients who are concerned that they may be suffering from this disease can read on to find out about symptoms of arthritis, how it’s diagnosed, and what Arthritis Treatments in Joliet IL are available.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis of the big toe is known medically as Hallux Limitus when the toe’s range of motion is limited by the disease and Hallux Rigidus when the joint is entirely immobile. Symptoms of Hallux Limitus are less noticeable at first than those of Hallux Rigidus, as the joint may appear to function normally when no weight is placed on it but will begin to show symptoms of arthritis when patients are walking or standing. Some of the most common early symptoms of arthritis of the big toe are pain in the bottom of the toe, the development of calluses on the big toe, and inability to bend the toe upward when it is jammed into the ground. Browse here to know more.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
Although this condition is treatable when it is diagnosed early, it will eventually lead to structural deformities, so it’s important that patients not ignore these range of motion issues in their big toes. An official diagnosis can be obtained by heading to a podiatrist for a physical exam and x-rays of the foot. X-rays may appear normal during the beginning stages of this disease, but once the limitation of movement has begun to progress, bone spurs tend to form, which are visible on x-rays.
Treatment of Arthritis
The type of Arthritis Treatments in Joliet IL doctors prescribe tends to rely primarily on how far the disease has progressed. Initial treatments can include oral anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and the prescription of functional orthotic devices. While medications are helpful in addressing the pain associated with the condition, functional orthotics can actually treat its cause and slow further damage. If bone spurs have already begun to form around the joint, surgery may be required to remove them or they may have to be replaced entirely and the joints fused together.
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