Arthritis Specialist

Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC

Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgeons & Ankle and Foot Surgeons located in Houston, TX

Many of the 100-plus forms of arthritis can affect the foot and ankle. Board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Randall L. Beckman, DPM, FACFAS, and the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC in Houston, Texas, offer surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle arthritis. If you suffer from foot or ankle pain due to arthritis, call the office to schedule an appointment.

Arthritis Q&A

What is foot and ankle arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation. Many forms of arthritis affect the joints of your foot and ankle, including:

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones deteriorates. This causes the bones of your foot and ankle to grind against one another.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes your immune cells to attack and destroy the healthy tissue in your joint capsule. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints at once and often starts in the foot and ankle. 

Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis may develop after a foot and ankle injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Like osteoarthritis, this type causes cartilage to wear away. 

What are the symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?

The specific symptoms you experience depend on the type of arthritis you have and the joint it affects. Common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Foot and ankle pain
  • Pain that worsens with activity
  • Swelling, redness, and warmth at the joint
  • Tenderness when applying pressure

These symptoms may cause difficulty walking and performing daily tasks. If ongoing foot and ankle pain interferes with your normal activities, the caring team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC can help.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

First, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC reviews your symptoms and medical history. They carefully examine your foot and may take tests, such as an X-ray or a blood test. These tests help them diagnose the type of arthritis you have and create a personalized treatment plan. 

What does treatment for foot and ankle arthritis entail?

Initial treatment for arthritis usually involves nonsurgical methods, such as physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices like a walking boot. 

If you continue to have chronic ankle pain and disability despite conservative treatments, the team at Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC may recommend surgery. They use leading techniques and technologies, including the Integra® Cadence® total ankle replacement system. 

Total ankle replacement surgery involves removing the damaged or diseased parts of your ankle and replacing them with a high-quality artificial joint. Full recovery from a total ankle replacement can take up to 12 months and requires a dedicated physical therapy regimen. 

To learn more about arthritis treatments, call Spring Branch Podiatry, PLLC today.