Is My Foot Pain from Arthritis or Bursitis?

Is My Foot Pain from Arthritis or BursitisArthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation and soreness of one or more joints. Basically, it causes pain and stiffness and can affect the appearance of your joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two main types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis which is your autoimmune system attacking your joints, and osteoarthritis which causes the cartilage to break down, causing joints to rub against each other.

Bursitis

According to a top Scottsdale podiatrist, Dr. Mark Forman DPM, M.B.A., F.A.P.W.C.A. bursitis is mostly caused by repetition in your daily activities. Many athletes who perform repetitive motions are more prone to bursitis. Even kneeling for meditation or gardening can be the catalyst of bursitis, if these are constant activities. Additionally, bursitis may also appear as a secondary ailment due to arthritis, gout, tendonitis, and diabetes.
Therefore the way to differentiate between the two ailments is examining the anatomical structure they are hindering. Arthritis is a chronic condition that tears away at the bone, cartilage, and joints. Bursitis is more acute and temporary. It produces swelling that causes pain. Bursitis, if treated and maintains no pressure, will resolve itself, as the inflammation will decrease, resolving you of pain.

Simple Solutions

At Put Your Feet First, Dr. Mark Forman and his prestigious team offer some solutions to heal or lessen the severity of your pain. Some solutions include:
  • Interchanging heat and ice every 15 minutes on the swollen area.
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the pain.
  • Controlling weight, as the extra pressure can worsen the pain.
  • Using a cane or walker to help support you.

Office Solutions

Additionally, at Put Your Feet First, we offer more solutions.
  • MLS laser treatment: This FDA-cleared technology uses light to penetrate the dead cells and tissues allowing for new growth to occur. Once it deadens the cells and tissue, the inflammation decreases relieving you of pain. Six treatments are typically recommended, but every case is unique. Once Dr. Forman examines you, he can provide you with a working plan to help heal you.
  • Orthotics: We, at Put Your Feet First, offer custom-made orthotics that use a 3D image scanner to scan your feet ensuring every crevice is accounted for. It takes about a week before they are ready for pick-up. Orthotics provide excellent support for your stride and stance and last for one-two years (depending on how often you wear them and the activities you participate in daily).
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This method utilizes your own blood to remedy the injured area. Dr. Forman draws your blood and spins it, gathering all the rich platelets to inject into the injured area. These platelets help decrease the inflammation and allow for new growth to occur. Dr. Mark Forman would first need to meet with you to see if this is a viable option for you.

Contact Us

We, at Put Your Feet First, truly put YOU first. We want to help you get back on your feet, so you can continue your daily activities without pain. To help you, please let us sit down and discuss your challenges and find solutions together. Call us at 480.423.8400 or visit us online to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
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