Foot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care
Rheumatoid & Psoriatic Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle
Causes, symptoms, and treatment for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.
Understanding rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle and your options.
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are conditions where the immune system attacks the joints. They often affect both feet and can also hit the ankles and toes.
Symptoms may flare and calm down. Because these diseases can harm joints if left alone, working with a podiatrist and a rheumatologist is important.
Symptoms
Signs of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle.
If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.
- 01
Swelling and warmth in several joints
- 02
Morning stiffness that lasts a while
- 03
Toes that look swollen like sausages
- 04
Pain in both feet, often on both sides
Why it happens
What can cause rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle.
- 01
The immune system attacking joint lining
- 02
Family history of autoimmune disease
- 03
Psoriasis affecting the skin or nails
- 04
Triggers that are not fully understood
Diagnosis and care
How we treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Step 1 · Diagnosis
We look at joint swelling, toe shape, and nail or skin changes. X-rays can show joint damage. Blood tests may help point toward an autoimmune cause, and ultrasound can show inflamed joint lining. We coordinate with your other doctors on the diagnosis.
Step 2 · Treatment
Medicines for the disease itself come from your rheumatology team. We help with foot comfort using roomy shoes, cushioned insoles, and custom orthotics. Padding and braces can protect painful joints. Physical therapy helps keep motion, and injections may calm a very swollen joint.
If joints become badly damaged or deformed, surgery may realign toes or fuse painful joints. It is used when other care no longer helps enough.
Recovery
What to expect over time.
Foot symptoms often improve as the disease is controlled, which can take weeks to months. Surgery recovery varies, often several months.
When to book
Do not wait it out.
See a podiatrist if you have swollen, stiff joints in both feet or toes that change shape. Do not wait, since early treatment can protect the joints.
Call 615-220-8788Related care
More in Foot & Ankle Arthritis & Joint Care.
FAQ
Your questions answered.
Can foot care replace my arthritis medicine?
No. Foot care eases pain and protects joints, but disease treatment comes from your rheumatology team.
Why do my toes look swollen all over?
Psoriatic arthritis can inflame the whole toe. It is a known sign and worth mentioning to your doctors.
Get help with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Where we treat it
Rheumatoid & Psoriatic Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle care at 15 clinics.
- Brentwood10644 Concord Road
- Clarksville1762 Memorial Dr
- Columbia1215 Hatcher Lane
- Cookeville120 Walnut Commons Lane, Suite A
- Gallatin179 Hancock St, Suite 300
- Goodlettsville824 Wren Rd
- Hermitage3901 Central Pike, Suite 353
- Lebanon430 West Main Street
- Mount Juliet2628 North Mount Juliet Road
- Murfreesboro536 N Thompson Ln, Suite F
- Nashville300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103
- Pulaski306 South 7th Street
- Shelbyville120 Frank Martin Rd, Suite 200
- Smyrna693 President Pl, Suite 103
- Waverly110 Hillwood Drive