What is arthritis?
When you have arthritis, one or more of your joints is inflamed. The inflammation causes pain and stiffness. Arthritis of the foot and ankle can make it difficult to walk and perform your usual activities.
What types of arthritis affect the foot and ankle?
There are many forms of arthritis that can affect your foot or ankle, but the most common include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears away. As cartilage breaks down, it causes the bones to rub together when the joint moves.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include increasing age, having a family history of the disease, carrying excess weight, and misalignment in the foot.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes your immune system cells to attack the joint lining, causing inflammation. Over time, the damage can extend to the bone and cartilage as well as tendons and ligaments.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a foot or ankle injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Like osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage in a joint. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop many years after the initial foot or ankle injury.
What are the symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis?
Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis you have and which joint it affects. Common foot and ankle arthritis symptoms include:
- Pain when moving the foot or ankle
- Pain that worsens with vigorous activity
- Joint swelling, tenderness, and warmth
- Increased pain and swelling in the morning or after a period of rest
You may have trouble walking due to any of the above symptoms. Most of the time, arthritis symptoms develop gradually, although sudden onset is possible.
How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?
There’s no cure for arthritis, but Dr. Biss provides an individualized treatment plan that can slow the progression of the disease and relieve your symptoms.
Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Orthotic devices
- Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
If you continue to experience pain and symptoms despite treatment, Dr. Biss may recommend surgery. Surgical treatments for foot and ankle arthritis include arthroscopic joint debridement, ankle fusion, and total ankle replacement.
For expert care of foot and ankle arthritis, call Concord Podiatry, or book an appointment online today.
