Foot and Ankle Arthritis

What is foot and ankle arthritis, and how are they treated?

If you have an acute injury or live with chronic foot and ankle pain, call OrthoNeuro today or make an appointment online for expert foot and ankle care in Columbus, Ohio.

What is Foot and Ankle Arthritis?

The foot and ankle are comprised of dozens of bones and the ends of these bones are covered with a thin layer of cartilage that helps the bones glide smoothly when walking, standing, and running. Arthritis causes inflammation within the joints, as well as deterioration of the cartilage within the foot and ankle joints. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones of the foot and ankle may begin to rub together.

The most common joints to be affected by arthritis are the ankle, midfoot, and big toe. Arthritis of the foot or ankle can be the result of the aging process, repeated injuries to the foot or ankle, as well as genetic factors.

Types of Foot and Ankle Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle. The three most common forms of foot and ankle arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Any type of arthritis in the foot and ankle joints will cause pain and swelling.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative or wear-and-tear arthritis. It is more likely to occur after you reach 40 years of age; however, it can be seen in younger adults too.

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage in your joints gradually wears down. As this cartilage deteriorates, it becomes frayed and rough, reducing the space that separates your bones. This can lead to the bones rubbing against each other, which can be quite painful and even result in the formation of bone spurs, known as osteophytes.

Besides age, there are other risk factors associated with osteoarthritis, such as obesity and a family history of the disease. It’s important to note that osteoarthritis is a slow-developing condition. Over time, it can cause increasing discomfort and stiffness in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that can impact multiple joints throughout the body, often initially manifesting in the feet and ankles. One distinctive characteristic of this condition is its symmetry, meaning it typically affects the same joint on both sides of the body.

This disease is categorized as an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its tissues. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune cells attack the synovium, which is the protective lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and swelling.

Over time, this inflammation can damage not only the synovium but also the surrounding bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, potentially resulting in severe joint deformities and disability.

Post Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is a condition that can develop following an injury to the foot or ankle. The most common causes of post-traumatic arthritis are injuries such as dislocations and fractures, especially those that impact the joint’s surface.

Much like osteoarthritis, this condition results in the gradual erosion of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Interestingly, post-traumatic arthritis may not surface immediately but can develop many years after the initial injury.

Patients with foot or ankle arthritis may experience the following symptoms:

Pain in the foot or ankle
Stiffness in the foot or ankle
Difficulty walking long distances
Difficulty bearing weight

Although arthritis is not something that can be cured, several treatment options can slow the process and relieve ankle and foot pain. At OrthoNeuro, our board-certified foot and ankle specialists have helped thousands of patients with foot and ankle arthritis live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical options.

How Foot and Ankle Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Your doctor starts your foot and ankle arthritis diagnosis by checking your overall health and medical history.

Your doctor will assess your foot and ankle for tenderness and swelling, asking questions like:

When did the pain begin?
Where is the pain located (one or both feet)?
Is the pain constant or intermittent?
Is the pain worse in the morning or during activity?

They’ll also inquire about past foot or ankle injuries and inspect your shoes for wear and support.

Gait Analysis

Your gait (walking pattern) is observed. Joint stiffness and pain can affect the way you walk. Any limping can provide insights into the arthritis’s severity and location. Your doctor will examine your leg and foot alignment, measure your stride, and test your ankle and foot strength.

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may require further diagnostic tests to properly diagnose the issue. These tests could involve the following:

X-rays: These reveal bone details. Arthritic foot X-rays may show joint space narrowing, bone changes, and bone spur formation, especially in weight-bearing images.
Additional Imaging: Sometimes, bone scans, CT scans, or MRIs are necessary for detailed evaluations of bone and soft tissues.
Lab Tests: Blood tests can help identify the type of arthritis, particularly in cases like rheumatoid arthritis. A rheumatologist may be consulted for a precise diagnosis and to consider less common forms of inflammatory arthritis.

How is Foot or Ankle Arthritis Treated?

In most cases, foot or ankle arthritis can be managed using non-surgical treatment options.

At OrthoNeuro, these options may include:

Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Assistive devices
Corticosteroid injections

In the instances where foot or ankle arthritis has not responded to conservative treatments, your OrthoNeuro Specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to alleviate joint pain.

These procedures may include:

Arthroscopic Debridement: Removal of damaged cartilage, tissue, and bone spurs around the joint.

Arthrodesis: Removing damaged cartilage and fixating the bones permanently by implanting rods and screws.

Total Ankle Replacement: The damaged portions of the ankle joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components that mimic the function of a healthy ankle joint.

Patients who are experiencing the symptoms of foot or ankle arthritis should not delay a diagnosis. The decision of what treatments are best for you will be determined by what you and your OrthoNeuro specialist feel are best.

Recovery from Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Recovery will depend on the extent of the arthritis and the treatment. You should speak to your doctor for an accurate evaluation of your recovery time.

If you undergo joint replacement surgery, this will likely reduce pain caused by arthritis and make it easier to perform daily activities. Full recovery can take 4 to 9 months, depending on the severity of your condition before surgery and the complexity of your procedure.

Foot and ankle surgery can be painful. While you should expect to feel some discomfort, advancements in pain control now make it easier for your doctor to manage and relieve pain. Later in your recovery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in your foot or ankle and to restore range of motion.

In most cases, you will be able to resume your daily activities in 3 to 4 months—although, for some time, you may need to wear supportive shoes or a brace.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of foot or ankle arthritis, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified foot and ankle specialists at one of our locations throughout Greater Columbus, OH. We look forward to giving you the assistance you are looking for. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Ralph J. Napolitano Jr., DPM, CWSP, FACFAS

Foot, Ankle, and Podiatry Specialists

IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.