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Smile—The world will take a different view of you!

With the breakthrough Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
Technique for gum recession, a beautiful smile
is only a visit away. Dr. Nemeth was the fi rst
periodontist in Michigan to be certifi ed in
this technique. This revolutionary treatment
for gum recession contours the gums, allowing
for a younger, more youthful appearance.

BEFORE

AFTER

Periodontics

Dental Implants

Joseph R. Nemeth

Associates

Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS

Amar Katranji, DDS, MS

29829 Telegraph Road, Suite 111 | Southfi eld, Michigan 48034
248.357.3100 | www.drnemeth.com

Arthritis Month

Early diagnosis can aid arthritic feet.

A

rthritis is an inflammation
and swelling of the cartilage
and lining of the joints, gen-
erally accompanied by an increase
in the fluid in the joints. It is a dis-
abling and occasionally crippling
disease afflicting more than 50 mil-
lion Americans. In some forms, it
appears to be hereditary.
Although the prevalence of
arthritis increases with age, all peo-
ple from infancy to middle age are
potential victims. People older than
50 are the primary targets. The
month of May has been set aside
as National Arthritis Awareness
Month. It is a time to spread the
message about prevention meth-
ods and treatment of arthritis. The
Lansing-based Michigan Podiatric
Medical Association (MPMA) has
information to help understand
the symptoms and treatments of
arthritic feet.
“There is usually no need to
endure years of painful ambulation
because of arthritic feet,” said Dr.
Jodie Sengstock, MPMA director of
professional relations. “Most condi-
tions can be diagnosed and treated
either conservatively or surgically
by a podiatrist.”
Because each foot has 33 joints
that can be afflicted — and there
is no way to avoid the tremen-
dous weight-bearing load on the
feet — feet are very susceptible to
arthritis. Arthritic feet can result in
loss of mobility and independence.
However, early diagnosis and prop-
er medical care can limit or slow
the damage.

SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS IN
THE FOOT AND ANKLE:
• Early morning stiffness
• Limitation in motion of joint
• Recurring pain or tenderness in
any joint
• Redness or heat in a joint
• Skin changes, including rashes
and growths

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May 31 • 2018

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• Swelling in one or more joints
FORMS OF ARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is the most com-
mon form of arthritis. It is fre-
quently called degenerative joint
disease or wear-and-tear arthritis.
Aging usually brings on a break-
down in cartilage, and pain gets
progressively more severe. Dull,
throbbing nighttime pain is char-
acteristic and may be accompanied
by muscle weakness or deteriora-
tion. Many of these symptoms can
be relieved with rest. Overweight
people are particularly susceptible
to osteoarthritis. The additional
weight contributes to the deterio-
ration of cartilage and the develop-
ment of bone spurs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a major
crippling disorder and the most
serious form of arthritis. It is a
complex, chronic inflammatory
group of diseases, often affecting
more than a dozen smaller joints
during its course. In the foot, it
frequently affects both ankles and
toes.
Post-traumatic arthritis can
develop after an injury to the foot
or ankle. Dislocations and frac-
tures — particularly those that
damage the joint surface — are
the most common injuries that
lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
Like osteoarthritis, post-traumatic
arthritis causes the cartilage
between the joints to wear away. It
can develop many years after the
initial injury.

ARTHRITIS OF THE FOOT AND
ANKLE TREATMENTS:
• Physical therapy and exercise
• Anti-inflammatory medication
and/or steroid injections into the
affected joint
• Orthotics or specially pre-
scribed shoes
• Joint replacement
Visit MPMA.org to find an
MPMA podiatrist near you. •