Thanksgiving is coming soon, and most who celebrate this day will have a warm, fulfilling meal with their families—some of whom they might not have seen all year! For some families with more strained ties, however, this holiday can turn into an evening of quarreling that leaves everyone feeling trapped and miserable. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis in their feet or ankles know how awful in-fighting can be, as they may experience this every day in their joints.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops through mechanical “wear and tear” against the joints over time, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The body’s own defenses begin to attack healthy tissue. This can happen just about anywhere on the body, but here we’ll focus on the ligaments and cartilage surrounding joints in the feet and ankles.
As an effect of RA, the protective lining that surrounds joints—the synovium—becomes overactive and inflamed. This gradually ruins the joint and damages the other tissues surrounding it. As ligaments weaken in the feet, deformities such as bunions and hammertoes can develop.
While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are ways to help relieve the pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with it. Treatments range from conservative methods to various forms of surgery, depending on the severity of the damage and needs of the patient.
For help with managing rheumatoid arthritis pain in your feet, contact the office of Dr. Kevin Powers. Serving Bedford, Bloomington, and the surrounding area, we will find the best ways to relieve discomfort and increase your quality of life. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (812) 333-4422 or contact us online.
