Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

What You Need To Know

Understanding arthritis in the foot and ankle and how we can help you find relief.

Understanding Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint and is very common in the small joints of the ankle and foot, especially in the big toe and midfoot. It is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain, affecting approximately 53 million Americans. In the beginning, you may notice that the affected joint seems stiff or aches. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Over time, bone spurs develop, and the joint’s range of motion becomes limited.

Several types of arthritis can affect the foot and ankle. Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints deteriorates. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the tissue covering the joint, often causing joint deformity. Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals, typically in the big toe. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after fractures or dislocations.

Common symptoms include pain with motion, tenderness, joint swelling, joint warmth, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Many factors play a role, including obesity, aging, prior injuries, and family history.

If you have arthritis in your foot or ankle, it is important to partner with a podiatrist to help ease your pain. Our board-certified podiatrists can diagnose your specific type through a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging such as X-ray, CT, or MRI, then develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Treatment Options and Daily Care

Treatment for arthritis depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Our providers use conservative, noninvasive measures of care whenever possible. If your arthritis is mild, anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to help treat the pain. Other options to relieve discomfort include custom orthotics, braces, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections every three to six months can also help, and your doctor may recommend weight loss and low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking.

Custom-fitted orthotics ensure your foot and ankle joints are properly aligned and help minimize pressure on the foot. For gout, medications can control your uric acid levels and minimize pain. Applying ice or heat to the affected area, wearing comfortable footwear, and staying as active as possible can all calm the discomfort that comes with arthritis.

If your case is severe, surgery may be necessary to improve your quality of life. Your podiatrist may recommend ankle arthroscopy to remove debris from the joint, arthrodesis to fuse two or more joints together, or total ankle replacement for the most severe cases. If the bone is not damaged too badly, your doctor may simply shave away bone spurs.

Daily care matters at every stage. Examine your feet daily, keep them clean and dry, moisturize to avoid cracking, trim your nails straight across, wear quality footwear, and change your socks daily. There is no cure for arthritis, but once we confirm a diagnosis, we can help you manage the condition and relieve your discomfort.