Arthritis is a disease that can affect your joints and cause pain and stiffness. There are different forms of arthritis and levels of pain, deformity, and severity. Arthritis usually involves degeneration and inflammation of the joints and can come on suddenly or gradually. Some of the more common forms of arthritis to affect the feet include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

The earliest symptoms of arthritis may begin in the feet. If you are experiencing joint pains in your feet or ankles it is important to get it checked and treated. Arthritis is often progressive and can lead to deformity. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to slow down progression and ease pain.

To diagnose arthritis, the doctors at Burrard Podiatry will begin with a history and examination. In some cases, x-rays or CT scan or bone scan or blood work may be needed to help make the diagnosis.

Depending upon the type of arthritis, treatment considerations may involve shoe prescription or physiotherapy or medication or cortisone injection. If you are experiencing joint pains in your feet do not delay getting checked.