Suffering From Arthritis in Your Feet?

It’s estimated that nearly a quarter of all American adults, nearly 60 million people, suffer from arthritis. Even if you’re not suffering from arthritis right now, there’s a chance that you may experience it in the future. If you live in or near Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Davenport, FL, and are suffering from arthritis in your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Tatiana Wellens and Dr. Maria Jaramillo-Dolan.

What Causes Arthritis and What Are the Different Types?

 Arthritis occurs when joints become inflamed. These joints could be your fingers, wrist, elbows, ankles, knees, or where ever else. With many types of arthritis, the immune system starts to attack the tissues in the joints, which causes inflammation that, in turn, produces pain. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is sometimes thought of as “wear and tear” arthritis. As you age, your joints will slowly wear out, causing osteoarthritis. This arthritis is most common in your most often-used joints, including the hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

Then there’s rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. We’re still not positive why rheumatoid arthritis occurs, but we know that the immune system starts to attack the tissues in the joints. When it comes to arthritis in your legs, including your feet and ankles, rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common forms. Often, this form of arthritis impacts many different joints at once.

Suffering from arthritis and live near Winter Haven & Lakeland, FL? Contact Dr. Tatiana Wellens and Dr. Maria Jaramillo-Dolan today.

How Will Arthritis Impact My Quality of Life?

 No matter the type of arthritis you have, it can have a major impact on your quality of life. This is especially true if the arthritis is in joints that you rely on day in and day out. For example, arthritis in your knees, feet, and ankles can make it hard to walk. As a result, you might skip taking pets for walks, playing with kids (say grandkids), going hiking, or otherwise being active.

In other words, arthritis can have a big impact on your quality of life and you may avoid activities you once loved.

How is Arthritis Treated?

 Fortunately, arthritis can be treated. In many cases, it’s possible to stop further damage to your joints and it may also be possible to reverse preexisting damage. There are many different types of medications that can both reduce swelling and pain. Aspirin is one common form of medication, but other anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers may produce better results. In some cases, stronger medications might be necessary to control the pain.

At Central Florida Foot in Ankle we are determined not just the mask the pain, but also to address the underlying causes. Oral pain medications are very successfully utilized in a combination with Cortizone injections as well as regenerative medicine as an alternative to surgery. We practice a gradual step approach from the minimally invasive to the most invasive techniques in order to help our patients.

Regenerative medicine and stem cell treatments are a reality that is available at our practice in the office as well as on an outpatient surgical basis.

For example, we offer amniotic injections at a reasonable price done right in the office as an alternative to other modalities. We also offer extracorporeal shockwave therapy by means of reducing inflammation. We have several types of laser therapies and we are proud to announce that we are the only practice in Polk County to offer new modalities to help you with pain. Physical therapy and shoe inserts call. Orthotics and braces may also provide relief. In some cases, surgery may also be needed.

Even though there is no cure for arthritis, there’s so many different modalities available in modern medicine that surpass the traditional old fashion belief of having to leave with pain.

If you or a loved one are experiencing arthritic pain and live near Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Davenport, FL, contact Dr. Tatiana Wellens and Dr. Maria Jaramillo-Dolan. Call Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center at (863) 299-4551.