Arthritis is a common condition among those over the age of 65 and it involves inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, and it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The common signs of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you were an athlete, you may wonder, can sports injuries cause arthritis? Sports-related injuries have been linked to arthritis, so it’s possible that your arthritis may have been due to a sports injury. Below you will find helpful information about arthritis and what treatment options are available.
Can Sports Injuries Cause Arthritis
There are two main types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to normal wear and tear on your body. Your body’s cartilage is a connective tissue found in your joints. It is both firm and flexible and protects your joints by serving as a shock absorber. When the levels of cartilage reduce it can cause arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the more common forms of arthritis. This can be caused by an injury, an infection, and your family history can also play a part in whether or not you have it.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and another common type of arthritis. Research has shown genetic markers that increase your risk of the disorder. However, the exact cause is not known. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that impacts the synovium found in your joints. Synovium is a soft tissue that produces a fluid that helps your cartilage stay strong. Your immune system attacks the synovium and results in the destruction of your joints.
Sports Injuries and Arthritis
Research has found that a type of osteoarthritis, referred to as post-traumatic arthritis, has been linked to prior injuries, including sports-related injuries. In fact, this type of arthritis impacts more than 20% of adults in the United States. The chronic disease is caused by injury and wear and tear of the joints.
When an injury impacts one of your joints, it can heal and later develop arthritis. The arthritis may take up to decades to develop as it is not always right away. However, with post-traumatic arthritis you may be able to determine if it was from an injury. If the arthritis is only in one joint, and if you develop arthritis at a younger age (under 60), it may be due to a prior injury.
Arthritis Treatment and Helpful Tips
Arthritis in your feet and ankles can negatively impact your daily life. Ankle arthritis treatment is necessary to help keep you moving and reduce your pain. There are a wide variety of treatments depending on your unique needs. Ankle fusion, total ankle replacement, cortisone injections, homeopathic injections, and amniotic injectables are all helpful treatments that can address arthritis. A skilled and experienced podiatrist can help treat your arthritis and get you back on track.
In addition to seeing a podiatrist, there are some helpful ways to help ease your arthritis pain. However, these are not a substitute for being treated by a podiatrist. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of getting osteoarthritis, and it can help with your symptoms if you already have it. Eating a healthy diet is also important as you should avoid foods such as fast food, processed foods, dairy, and large quantities of meat. Fill your diet with antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and fish. Reducing inflammation in your body has major benefits for both your arthritis and overall health.
Foot & Ankle Specialists
If you are concerned that you may have arthritis, contact the foot & ankle specialists at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. Their team is equipped with the skills and expertise to help treat your ankle arthritis. Contact their office today for an appointment!
