Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis of the foot and ankle?

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases that cause inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis that affect the feet and ankles are gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

While there’s no cure for these conditions, healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can relieve symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

How common is arthritis of the foot and ankle?

Arthritis of the foot and ankle is incredibly common. That’s because each of your feet has 28 bones and more than 30 joints. These hard tissues are tough, but they’re also susceptible to wear-and-tear and disease. 

Anyone can experience arthritis of the foot and ankle, but several factors may increase your risk, including the natural aging process, previous injuries, and your genetics.

Does foot and ankle arthritis present symptoms?

Symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Reduced ability to move or walk
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling

As your arthritis gets worse, you might also experience difficulty bending or extending your affected joints.

How is foot and ankle arthritis diagnosed?

To diagnose foot and ankle arthritis, your Gentle Foot and Ankle Care provider asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if any activities like exercise, or standing for extended periods, make them worse. Next, they review your medical history and conduct an exam of your foot and ankle.

Your provider presses on your foot to find areas of swelling, sensitivity, or warmth and checks the flexibility and strength of your ankle. They might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to rule out other conditions, like fractures or a dislocated joint.

How is foot and ankle arthritis treated?

At Gentle Foot and Ankle Care, the team treats foot and ankle arthritis with conservative measures whenever possible. For example, they might recommend:

• Losing weight
• Wearing custom orthotics
• Bracing your joint
• Using a cane or walker
• Taking arthritis medication
• Using over-the-counter pain medication

If your symptoms get worse or interfere with your ability to do normal activities, the team might recommend surgery. There are several types of surgery that can treat arthritis of the foot and ankle, including fusion surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and total ankle replacement.

To receive treatment for foot and ankle arthritis, make an appointment at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.