The number of people affected by arthritis is staggering. In fact, 1 in 4 adults struggles with this debilitating condition. The good news is that well-known health conditions often have more treatment options.
Despite the amount of research into this condition, there is no cure for arthritis. There are only ways to manage it and reduce the burdens it causes. The best management programs will differ from patient to patient.
If you are struggling with arthritic symptoms in your ankle, keep reading to find out more about treatment options and Boise orthopedic surgeons.
What Is Arthritis?
Most people associate arthritis with pain in the joints. In fact, there are more than 100 types of arthritis, and some of them affect other organs as well. These types of arthritis may affect the body differently, but they are all a type of rheumatism.
The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. While some types are due to body aging, others may be due to genetic factors or lifestyle factors.
Lifestyle Treatment Options
For most people with arthritis, lifestyle changes are a big part of their treatment plan. These lifestyle changes often involve avoiding inflammatory foods. Also, keeping weight within a certain range helps with symptoms. Following a low-impact exercise regimen is recommended as well.
Exercise can be painful for those with arthritis. That is more true for high-impact exercise. Low-impact activities like swimming or biking are very beneficial.
Therapy Treatment Options
Many people with arthritis find physical therapy to be an effective part of their treatment plan. This is especially true for arthritis in body parts like the ankle. The ankles experience a lot of stress and strain every day, so a physical therapist can teach patients exercises that improve pain levels.
One way they do this is by practicing ankle exercises that improve range of motion and flexibility.
Pharmaceutical Treatment Options
Some people with arthritis use medicine to help treat their symptoms. Commonly, this medicine is just over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Sometimes, a doctor can administer an injection of cortisone to manage pain symptoms.
The only problem with the medication is that it only provides temporary relief and does not address the underlying cause of the pain.
Surgical Treatment Options
For others, surgical options are best for treating their condition. There are even options within a specific surgical treatment. For example, the main types of surgery for arthritis in the ankle are arthroscopic debridement, ankle fusion (arthrodesis), and total ankle replacement (arthroplasty).
Choosing the right type of surgery often depends on the severity of arthritis.
Finding Boise Orthopedic Surgeons
The best treatment plan for arthritis is a multi-faceted one. It should incorporate both lifestyle components and physical therapy exercises. This is especially true for patients who elect surgery.
If you are struggling with arthritis in Idaho, it’s time to book an appointment with the best of all Boise orthopedic surgeons. Contact us today to see if surgical treatment is right for you.