Arthritis

Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC

Podiatry & Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Fort Lee, NJ, Queens, Forest Hills, NY, Gramercy, New York, NY, & Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

Did you know that about 54 million American adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation? The dedicated orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC provide valuable solutions for different types of foot and ankle arthritis at their offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Forest Hills, New York, Gramercy, New York, New York, & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. To treat arthritis pain, call your nearest office or book your personal consultation online.

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition involving inflammation in the joints that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage. Joint cartilage serves as a cushion allowing free movement of your bones. There are different types of arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent kind. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from gradual wear-and-tear that destroys cartilage.

With arthritis, pain and stiffness can come and go in flare-ups, and the severity can vary by activity and time of day. The symptoms of arthritis can be debilitating and prevent you from performing even the simplest tasks like opening a jar or climbing the stairs that used to be easy.

Who is affected by arthritis?

Arthritis can affect anyone. The risk increases with increasing weight and age. Some infections are also tied to arthritis as are certain jobs like those that require repeated knee bending and/or squatting.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

Treating arthritis usually begins with physical therapy and lifestyle changes like eating a nutrient-dense diet and managing stress. 

To improve movement and reduce your pain and swelling, your orthopedic surgeon works with you to develop a personalized exercise plan. If you’re suffering from ankle or foot arthritis, assistive devices like braces can help. Your surgeon might also prescribe medications to target the pain and swelling.

Injections into your joint are also useful to effectively deliver medication directly to the affected area, add lubricating and cushioning substances, and provide steroids to rapidly reduce pain and swelling.

Your surgeon might recommend surgery if your weight-bearing joints are severely deteriorated. Surgeries can include:

  • Joint repair
  • Joint replacement
  • Joint fusion

New or surgically repaired joints function better than your old damaged joints and can last a lifetime.

The Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC also provides in-office shockwave therapy using sound waves to produce strong vibrations or high energy shockwaves that help with repair, healing, and regeneration of bones, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Laser therapy is also available using specific wavelengths of light to reduce arthritis pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Arthritis can present difficult challenges and you might be unsure about your next painful step. To help relieve your pain and walk confidently, call the orthopedic surgeons and arthritis specialists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC or schedule an appointment online.