Arthritis Specialist

Neil H Hecht, DPM Our Services Arthritis

Neil H Hecht, DPM

Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Tarzana, CA

Arthritis frequently affects your feet — in fact, foot or ankle pain is sometimes among the first symptoms of the disease. At the podiatric practice of Neil H Hecht, DPM, in Tarzana, California, Dr. Hecht approaches arthritis care proactively. He addresses your pain and helps you take the right steps to keep your feet and ankle joints healthy long-term. Call the office or use online scheduling to set up your visit with Dr. Hecht today, or request a same-day appointment if you need arthritis help right now.

Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a collection of over 100 joint diseases. Most of these diseases can occur in any joint, but a few are common in the feet and ankles. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs as the cartilage covering your bones erodes over the years. This kind of arthritis causes foot problems in around 17% of sufferers over 50. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your immune system starts destroying the synovium, which is the lining of your joint membranes. More than 90% of sufferers have foot damage, and it’s typically on both sides of your body. 

Gout

Gout develops when excess uric acid within your bloodstream leads to crystal formation in a joint. It usually affects the big toe. 

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis occurs when your immune system causes severe joint inflammation. It often causes badly swollen toes and heel pain. 

These are just some of the most common kinds of arthritis in the feet and ankles. If you’re having symptoms of arthritis, Dr. Hecht can diagnose the problem and work with you to make a pain management plan. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis in feet and ankles?

Arthritis can cause foot and ankle problems, including:

  • Pain or soreness in and around your joints
  • Increased pain when you exercise
  • Increased pain after resting 
  • Swollen joints, which may affect nearby tissue
  • Joint stiffness
  • Skin inflammation above joints
  • Warm skin around joints
  • Severe pain in the big toe (gout)
  • Severe heel pain (psoriatic arthritis)

Severe arthritis symptoms might make it hard to walk, but there are many ways to slow arthritis progression and minimize symptoms with Dr. Hecht’s help. 

How do you treat foot and ankle arthritis?

Dr. Hecht recommends starting with conservative care, but he doesn’t hesitate to take appropriate aggressive steps to fight your arthritis if needed. Some of the treatments that can ease your foot and ankle arthritis symptoms include:

  • Assistive devices like custom orthotics or ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
  • Physical therapy
  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Oral anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Anti-inflammatory injections in affected joints

If you have debilitating arthritis symptoms, and nonsurgical care doesn’t improve your overall quality of life, surgery may be the best option. 

Should you need surgery to remove loose cartilage, fuse the affected joint, or even replace the joint, Dr. Hecht is an experienced surgeon who is on the staff of several local hospitals.  

Book your appointment at Neil H Hecht, DPM, by using the online scheduler or calling the office directly. 

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