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Arthritis Specialist

As of Tuesday, June 6th, our new Hudson office location is: 86 Healy Boulevard Suite 2, Hudson, NY, 12534

Arthritis services offered in Kingston, New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Hudson and West Coxsackie, NY


Nearly 17% of people over 50 have arthritis in their feet. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type of the disease, the board-certified experts at Hudson Valley Foot Associates can help in offices in Kingston, New Windsor, Wappingers Falls, Hudson, and West Coxsackie, New York. Click the online booking link or call the office nearest to you to schedule an appointment now.

What types of arthritis affect the feet and ankles?

There are well over 100 types of arthritis, and most can affect the feet and ankles in some way. But, the most common forms of arthritis in the lower extremities include: 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage surrounding your bones breaks down over time. It often develops in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, the same site where bunions develop, but it can also affect the middle part of the foot, the ankle, or other parts of the feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that generally affects both sides of the body equally. So, it often appears in matching joints in your ankles or feet. 9 out of 10 people with rheumatoid arthritis eventually develop foot or ankle symptoms. 

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid crystals appear within joints. Usually, gout occurs in the big toe, but it can also afflict the ankle. 

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people who have the skin disease psoriasis. It commonly develops in the spots where connective tissues attach to the bones. Psoriatic arthritis often causes dactylitis, in which significant swelling in the toes creates a sausage-like appearance. It can also appear in the heels alongside Achilles tendon issues and may cause plantar fasciitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spinal vertebrae, but it can also occur in the feet. As with psoriatic arthritis, it can cause plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. It may cause dactylitis as well. 

Although symptoms can vary with the type of arthritis, pain, stiffness, and swelling are common across all forms of the disease. 

How is arthritis diagnosed?

If you experience foot or ankle pain regularly, you may need an evaluation to determine whether arthritis is causing your symptoms. Diagnosis usually requires a full foot and ankle exam, medical history, X-rays or other imaging, and possibly lab testing to determine your diagnosis and create a treatment plan. 

How is arthritis treated?

Arthritis treatment varies with the type of arthritis and your symptoms. Some of the most common aspects of treatment include: 

  • Custom orthotics
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Corticosteroid joint injections  

If arthritis doesn’t respond to nonsurgical care, you might need surgery. Surgery can remove stray cartilage or bone spurs, fuse joints, or correct problems in other ways. Sometimes, people with chronic arthritis-related pain may need joint replacement if conservative care fails. 

Hudson Valley Foot Associates has premier surgeons ready to help with your arthritis. Call the office nearest you or click the online booking link for an appointment now.

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