Foot and ankle arthritis
Your feet and ankles contain more than 30 joints – any of which can be affected by arthritis. It can develop due to natural wear and tear, underlying health conditions, or past injuries.
There are four types of arthritis that typically affect the foot and ankle: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and post-traumatic arthritis.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects approximately 1.3 million Americans, though its exact cause remains unknown. RA causes inflammation in the lining of the joints, leading to long-term damage, chronic pain, loss of function, and disability.
Over time, this inflammation can progressively worsen and progress through three stages, causing joint deformities, mobility issues, and a significant impact on daily activities and overall quality of life.
In the first stage, the synovial lining becomes inflamed, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness, and swelling around the joint. The second stage leads to rapid cell growth, thickening the synovium lining. In the third stage, inflamed cells release enzymes that can break down bone and cartilage, altering the joint’s shape and alignment, increasing pain, and limiting movement.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased joint flexibility. Factors such as aging, joint overuse, previous injuries, genetics, and obesity can contribute to its progression.
What is gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. It most commonly affects the big toe but can also occur in the ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. Gout develops when the body either produces too much uric acid or cannot effectively eliminate it, often due to genetics, diet, obesity, or certain medical conditions.
What is post-traumatic arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that develops after a joint injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or ligament tear. When a joint is damaged, it can lead to cartilage deterioration, inflammation, and increased wear over time, eventually causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
This type of arthritis can develop months or even years after the initial injury, and it most commonly affects weight-bearing joints like the ankles, knees, and hips.
What are the signs and symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?
Arthritis typically develops gradually, with pain or other symptoms occurring in the same spot in your foot or ankle. Movement may help alleviate stiffness, which is often worse in the morning or after prolonged sitting or lying down. Some types of arthritis cause flare-ups, while others result in constant pain or stiffness, especially after physical activity.
The most common foot and ankle arthritis symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness or a reduced range of motion
- Swelling and inflammation
- Skin discoloration
- Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint
- A feeling of heat or warmth near your joints
Is there a cure for foot and ankle arthritis?
While there is no cure for arthritis, your podiatrist at Volunteer Podiatry can help you find treatments that reduce how much (and how often) arthritis impacts your daily routine.
Treatments like physical therapy, pain management, lifestyle modifications, and, in severe cases, surgery can help reduce symptoms and improve joint function, allowing individuals to maintain an active lifestyle.
When is it time to see a podiatrist?
Your feet and ankles support you throughout your daily activities, but arthritis can make every step a challenge. Whether it’s pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, these symptoms can be frustrating and, at their worst, may prevent you from fully enjoying the activities you love.
If you experience severe foot or ankle pain that lasts more than a week, increasing stiffness that limits movement, or worsening and more frequent flare-ups of your usual symptoms, schedule an appointment with Volunteer Podiatry. Seeking medical attention early can help prevent further joint damage and improve long-term mobility.
How will my podiatrist diagnose my arthritis?
Your podiatrist will diagnose arthritis in your feet and ankles through a physical exam, and ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, footwear, and how they affect your daily activities. They may assess your range of motion, observe your gait, and use imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to evaluate joint damage. If gout or an autoimmune condition is suspected, blood tests may be used to check uric acid levels or signs of infection.