Arthritis Services
Our specialized arthritis care team provides personalized treatment plans to manage pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life for arthritis patients.
Expert Arthritis Care Services
Arthritis can impact any joint, including those in the ankle and foot. At Skylake Medical Associates, located in North Miami Beach and Hallandale, Florida, our expert team offers advanced treatments to alleviate arthritis symptoms and enhance mobility. For cases of severe, advanced arthritis, we also perform joint replacement surgery. Contact Skylake Medical Associates today or book a consultation online for specialized arthritis care.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis has many forms, all affecting the joints. Some kinds affect several joints, others just one or a few. Most arthritic conditions are relatively rare, but some are very common — notably osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint and is especially likely to develop in the joints you use most. That’s because it’s caused by wear-and-tear. Years of use causes the cartilage coating the ends of your bones to wear away. The bones can’t slide smoothly over each other once this cartilage is gone, causing them to catch and rub. Inflammation develops, followed by pain, stiffness, and weakness. The joints can also distort. Osteoarthritis symptoms get worse as the years pass and can lead to significant disability. Rheumatoid arthritis causes similar problems, but its cause is an immune system dysfunction. Another form of arthritis, common in the feet, is gout. This condition develops when high levels of a natural substance called uric acid build up in your blood. Your kidneys should flush excess uric acid from your body. If they don’t, the acid can form sharp crystals in the joints — most often the big toe. Gout affects men far more often than women.
What problems does arthritis cause in the foot and ankle?
Arthritis pain is a gnawing, aching feeling that’s often there all or most of the time. It can flare up in bad weather, when you feel stressed, and when you’re more physically active than usual. If you have foot and ankle arthritis, you could struggle to walk because of joint and heel pain. You might also struggle with balance. Many people with foot and ankle arthritis also suffer from vascular disease. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which causes varicose veins, is a common problem. Another is peripheral artery disease (PAD). Both conditions cause poor blood circulation and increase your risk of nonhealing leg ulcers. The Adler Foot and Ankle team assesses your gait (how you walk), balance, and circulation when evaluating your arthritis.
What treatments help with foot and ankle arthritis?
Medications that reduce inflammation are helpful for arthritis. Custom-fitted orthotics (medical footwear inserts) help cushion and protect your feet. As the condition gets worse, you might need steroid injections to manage the inflammation. If these treatments stop working, the Adler Foot and Ankle team might recommend joint replacement. Dr. Laura Adler specializes in ankle replacement surgery, removing damaged bone surfaces and implanting artificial replacements. Call Adler Foot and Ankle today or book an appointment online for first-class arthritis diagnosis and treatment.
Arthritis Q & A
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to various conditions that affect the joints. Some types impact several joints, while others affect just one or a few. While most forms are relatively uncommon, osteoarthritis is particularly widespread.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint and is especially likely to develop in the ones you use most often. It results from wear and tear, as years of use wear away the cartilage that coats the ends of your bones. Without this cartilage, bones can’t slide smoothly over each other, leading to catching and rubbing. This causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and weakness. Over time, joints can become distorted, and symptoms can worsen, potentially leading to significant disability.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis presents similar problems to osteoarthritis but is caused by an immune system dysfunction.
What Is Gout?
Gout, a common form of arthritis in the feet, develops when high levels of uric acid build up in your blood. Normally, kidneys flush out excess uric acid, but if they don’t, sharp crystals can form in the joints, most often in the big toe. Gout affects men more frequently than women.
What Problems Does Arthritis Cause in the Foot and Ankle?
Arthritis pain is a persistent, gnawing, aching feeling that is often present all or most of the time. It can flare up in bad weather, during stress, or with increased physical activity. Foot and ankle arthritis can make walking difficult due to joint and heel pain, and may also affect balance.
Many people with foot and ankle arthritis also suffer from vascular diseases such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which causes varicose veins, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Both conditions impair blood circulation and increase the risk of nonhealing leg ulcers.
How Does Skylake Medical Associates Evaluate Arthritis?
Our team assesses your gait (how you walk), balance, and circulation when evaluating your arthritis.
What Treatments Help with Foot and Ankle Arthritis?
To manage arthritis, we recommend medications that reduce inflammation. Custom-fitted orthotics (medical footwear inserts) can help cushion and protect your feet. As arthritis progresses, steroid injections may be necessary to control inflammation.
If these treatments become ineffective, our team may recommend joint replacement surgery. Our specialists are proficient in ankle replacement surgery, where damaged bone surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial implants.
How Can I Get Treatment?
Contact Skylake Medical Associates today or schedule an appointment online for expert arthritis diagnosis and treatment. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve better joint health and improved mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of arthritis do you treat?
We treat various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, particularly in the foot and ankle.
What symptoms indicate I may have arthritis?
Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty walking, and pain that worsens with activity or bad weather.
What treatments do you offer for arthritis?
Treatments include medications, custom orthotics, steroid injections, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can contact us directly by phone or book an appointment online for specialized arthritis care.
