Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, making movement difficult and painful. Although symptoms are similar, there are actually a few different types of arthritis. Today, we take a look at five different types of arthritis, and how they can attack your feet.
Aching Arthritic Feet
If the joints in your feet and toes feel swollen or sore, you may be dealing with one of these types of arthritic conditions.
1. Osteoarthritis – This is the most common for of arthritis, and it is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. As the word degeneration implies, this type of arthritis sets in over time as joint cartilage slowly breaks down. Dull, throbbing pain is common, and walking may become more difficult. Obesity can make the problem worse, as the joints will be forced to handle extra stress, so weight management can help control symptoms.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis – While osteoarthritis may be the most common form, rheumatoid arthritis is probably the most serious form of arthritis. RA is a complex inflammatory disease that often affects many small joints throughout the course of the disease. It frequently attacks both ankles or feet at the same time, and is generally categorized by pain and stiffness in the morning. Women are much more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis than men. Symptoms tend to go in waves, with a quick painful onset and then periods of symptom relief.
3. Gout-Induced Arthritis – As we’ve explained on the blog before, gout is a condition caused by buildup of uric acid in the joints. This acid can crystallize in your joints, and when the joints move it can lead to the development of inflammation. A poor diet and heavy alcohol intake can increase your likelihood of developing gout-induced arthritis. Opposite of rheumatoid arthritis, gout-induced arthritis is more common in men than in women. This arthritis typically affects the large joint in your big toe.
4. Psoriatic Arthritis – You may be familiar with the skin disorder psoriasis, but you may be surprised to learn it can also affect your joints. Psoriasis doesn’t always affect the joints – in fact, only about one in twenty people with the condition will develop psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis usually only affects the joints at the end of your feet, and the condition often worsens when your psoriasis worsens.
5. Traumatic Arthritis – As the name implies, this type of arthritis sets in after acute trauma to the joint. When something traumatic happens to a joint, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage in the joint. This damage eventually leads to arthritic changes inside the joint, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. If you drop a weight on your toe or suffer a nasty ankle fracture, there’s a possibility traumatic arthritis can set in.