San Juan Regional Health

Your feet and ankles contain a complicated network of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, putting them at high risk of arthritis. Left unmanaged, arthritis can affect your mobility and prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. At San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle in Farmington, New Mexico, our board-certified podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle arthritis with safe, effective, and cutting-edge methods. To request your consultation today, call the office.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term used to describe more than 100 diseases that cause swelling and tenderness in your joints. The most common types include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium).
• Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, this occurs when the protective cartilage pads wear away, causing bones to rub together.
• Other types: Gout, hallux rigidus (big-toe arthritis), and post-traumatic arthritis resulting from previous injuries.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Common signs of foot and ankle arthritis include:

• Persistent joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling and redness around the joint
• Warmth in the affected area
• Decreased range of motion or difficulty walking

Who gets arthritis?

Arthritis affects millions of people across all demographics. In the United States, approximately 21% of adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Certain factors increase your risk, such as being overweight, previous foot/ankle fractures, or a family history of the disease. While it affects all groups, research indicates that women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, whereas men are statistically more likely to develop gout.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Your San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle provider reviews your medical history and symptoms. We perform a physical exam to check joint stability and gait (walking pattern). To confirm the specific type of arthritis, we may utilize on-site diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRIs.

How is arthritis treated?

We prioritize conservative, noninvasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function:

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Weight management and low-impact exercise.
• Supportive Care: Custom orthotics (shoe inserts), braces, or assistive devices.
• Medical Management: Prescription medications or joint injections to reduce inflammation.
• Surgical Solutions: For advanced cases, our surgeons perform foot and ankle reconstructions using state-of-the-art technology.

To determine the best arthritis treatment for your unique situation, request an appointment today.