Change the way the world views you! health 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 48 May 31 • 2018 jn • 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. •