Posttraumatic Arthritis:
- Associated with repetitive inversion sprains (foot turning in)
How does it Happen?
- The trauma to the ankle may result in cartilage damage and/or alter the biomechanics of the foot.
- If biomechanics are altered it will result in malalignment, changes in weight bearing forces, and abnormal/poor joint loading.
Symptoms:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Locking
- Catching
- Clicking
- Swelling
- Pain with dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
Conservative Treatment:
- Physical therapy for stretching, strengthening, and symptom management
- Weight loss
- Activity modification
Surgical Options:
-
Ankle arthrodesis and arthroplasty
Osteoarthritis:
-
Known as the “degenerative” or “wear and tear” arthritis
How Does It Happen?
- Cartilage around bones wears away over time.
- As the cartilage wears away, the protective space between the bones lessens. This can produce bones rubbing on bones
- If there is too much stress through a bone, a bone spur can form.
Symptoms:
- Slow onset of pain and stiffness of a joint
- Increased pain and swelling in the morning or after prolonged inactivity like sitting
- Symptoms will alleviate after ~30 minutes
- Joint swelling and/or warmth
- Feels better with light activity
- Tender to touch
Risk Factors:
- Age > 55 years old
- Family history
- Obesity
- Previous joint injury and/or surgery
- Anatomical joint shape/size/alignment
- Women are more likely to develop
Rheumatoid Arthritis
-
Arthritis due to an autoimmune and inflammatory disease – this means the body will attack the healthy cells
How does it Happen?
- A chronic disease that affects the smaller joints in the body – normally starts in feet or hands
- This disease is symmetrical, so the same spot will hurt on both sides.
- The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.
Symptoms:
- Pain in more than one joint
- Stiffness in more than one joint
- Swelling in more than one joint
- Tenderness to more than one joint
- The same symptoms on both sides of the body
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weakness
Risk Factors:
- Age – can occur at any age; however, increased risk the older one is
- Women are 2-3x more likely to develop RA
- Obesity
- Exposure to smoking at a young age or history of smoking
- Specific genes have been correlated to RA – HLA class II genotypes
Arthritis Specialists In The Twin Cities
If you are experiencing any symptoms of arthritis please contact us today to set up your appointment with a Minnesota physical therapist. We have physical therapy clinics located in Minneapolis and Edina.