Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Foot and ankle arthritis is a condition where joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in any of the 30+ joints in the feet and ankles. While it often results from natural aging, it is frequently triggered by past injuries like fractures or dislocations.

Common Types

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The "wear and tear" type where cartilage gradually erodes, common in older adults.

• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: The most common form in the ankle, occurring after a significant injury even years later.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that often starts in the small joints of the feet and usually affects both sides symmetrically.

• Gout: A build-up of uric acid crystals, which most frequently causes sudden, severe pain in the big toe joint.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms typically develop slowly and may be worse after periods of rest, such as in the morning or after sitting.

• Pain and Stiffness: Aching that increases with activity and may lead to a "start-up" discomfort when you first begin moving.

• Swelling: Puffiness around the joint, sometimes accompanied by warmth or redness.

• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, or rotating the ankle.

• Physical Changes: Development of bone spurs, bunions, hammertoes, or a collapsed arch.

Management and Treatment

Treatment generally starts with conservative methods :

• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss (to reduce joint pressure), switching to low-impact activities like walking, and daily stretching.

• Supportive Gear: Wearing sturdy, supportive shoes, custom orthotic inserts, or braces to stabilize the joint.

• Medication: Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief.

• Surgical Options: If non-surgical methods fail, options include arthroscopic cleaning to remove bone spurs, joint fusion (eliminates motion to stop pain), or total ankle replacement.