Do you suffer from osteoarthritis? Does this make it hard for you to move? If so, you may be looking for a Woodbridge Podiatrist in Woodbridge, VA. Osteoarthritis is a significant problem, and it can become more common as people get older. Dr. Ranieri with Lake Ridge Podiatry can help you take care of your feet. Learn more about what you need to do to take care of your feet and live with osteoarthritis. 

What Is Osteoarthritis? 

First, it is important to understand what we mean when we are discussing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that leads to inflammation in the joints throughout your body, including the feet. When inflammation takes place in your feet, it could degrade the cartilage. Cartilage is designed to act as a cushion between your joints. If this cartilage is degraded, the bones on the surfaces of your feet will rub together. This can lead to inflammation and pain, making it difficult for you to move around.

How Do You Manage This Condition? 

There are multiple treatment options available that can help you manage this condition. Even though there might be situations where prescription medications and surgery could be required, this is not always the case. For example, you need to make sure you keep moving. You need to keep your feet loose if you want to preserve your mobility. A Woodbridge podiatrist in Woodbridge, VA can even set you up with a physical therapy program that may be able to strengthen some of the structures in your foot. You can alleviate stress on damaged areas in your feet, improving your mobility. 

Changes in your diet can also help you take care of your feet. There are certain foods you may consume that increase inflammation. They are also foods you may want to eat that can reduce inflammation. If you can change your diet to reduce inflammation throughout your body, you may be able to limit the damage to your feet. You need to work with a doctor who has experience in this area if you want to effectively manage osteoarthritis and improve your quality of life. 

Work with a Local Podiatrist Who Can Help You

Even though osteoarthritis can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life, there are treatment options available. If you think carefully about what you need to do to manage his condition, you may be able to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on your life. That is why you should work with a Woodbridge podiatrist in Woodbridge, VA. If you are looking for a local Doctor Who can assist you, work with Dr. Ranieri with Lake Ridge Podiatry. Call (703) 491-2603 to make an appointment.