ARTHRITIS
Pacific Podiatry
Valerie Valdivieso-Diaz, DPM
Podiatry located in Miami, FL
Arthritis may affect any joints and their surrounding soft tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain, eventually leading to impaired movement and joint deformity. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects older people, but there are over one hundred diseases classed as types of arthritis, so you can be affected at any age. Foot and ankle specialist Valerie Valdivieso-Diaz, DPM, at Pacific Podiatry in Miami provides effective treatment options for arthritis. If you’re experiencing arthritic symptoms in your feet and ankles or need personalized care to manage your arthritis, call the clinic or book an appointment online today.
Arthritis – Q&A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a result of deterioration in joints when the cartilage that cushions bones from each other wears down and disappears. With no cartilage to protect the ends of bones, they rub against each other, leading to the familiar pain and stiffness of arthritis.
The most common form of arthritis is age-related osteoarthritis, which is a frequent problem for older people. Osteoarthritic changes normally happen slowly through the years, until they reach the point where pain and movement restrictions start to impact your quality of life.
How do I know if I have arthritis?
Typical symptoms of arthritis in the feet or ankles include:
- Pain and inflammation
- Stiffness and swelling
- Trouble walking or bearing weight
People often self-diagnose arthritis when they start to experience the aches and pains of older age; however, there are other conditions with similar symptoms, so it’s advisable to seek a professional diagnosis from a specialist such as Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz.
At your appointment, she asks you about your symptoms and looks at your medical history before examining your feet and ankles. Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz orders further diagnostic tests such as X-rays, and MRI or CT scans, if required, to confirm her diagnosis and assess the extent of any arthritic changes.
What treatments are available for arthritis?
At Pacific Podiatry, Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz prepares individualized care plans for every patient. Your arthritis treatment plan may include:
- Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections into affected joints
- Supportive pads or orthotic insoles
- Leg braces or custom shoes
- Physical therapy
- Weight management programs and lifestyle advice
Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz offers surgical intervention such as fusion surgery or joint replacement only if no other option provides relief.
You might suspect your symptoms are due to arthritis, but since there are so many arthritic diseases and conditions with similar symptoms that a professional diagnosis is the only way to know for sure. If you think you have arthritis, talk to Dr. Valdivieso-Diaz and receive confirmation or discover the true cause of your problem.
To get access to the extensive range of arthritis treatments offered at Pacific Podiatry, call the clinic today or book an appointment online
SERVICES WE OFFER
Patient Insurance
We are proud to participate with several government and commercial insurance plans. The Pacific Podiatry Center accepts most major insurance plans. We also welcome patients without insurance.
Please call our office at (786) 322-3111 and we will be happy to provide information regarding out-of-pocket costs.