Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children and can have a significant impact on the feet. As one of the most common forms of arthritis in children, JIA causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can severely limit mobility and affect a child’s daily activities. When JIA affects the feet, it often involves the ankle joints and the small joints of the toes. This can lead to pain and difficulty in walking, running, or participating in sports. Inflammation in the feet may also cause the growth plates to close prematurely, potentially leading to differences in leg length or foot deformities. Proper management of JIA includes a combination of medication, targeted exercises, and sometimes orthotic supports to maintain joint function and reduce pain. If your child has JIA and it is affecting the feet, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for treatment to minimize long-term damage and to help children lead active, healthy lives despite the challenges of the condition.
Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from Complete Family Footcare & Therapy. Our clinicians will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Swelling in or around the joint
Restricted range of motion
Difficulty walking
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
