Arthritis of the Foot
What Is It?
Arthritis occurs throughout the body and can occur in the foot and ankle joints. The most common joints affected are the ankle and 1st metatarsophalangeal(big toe) joints. Though, all joints in the foot and ankle can experience arthritis.
Arthritis is the wearing down of cartilage, which is essentially the cushioning between bones. This creates the “bone on bone” pressures that result in pain and symptoms.
The causes of arthritis vary; the most common cause in the ankle is post-traumatic arthritis which is a condition that arises after trauma. Other types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others.
What Makes It Worse
- Prolonged standing or walking.
- High-impact activities (running, jumping)
- Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes
- Excess body weight, which puts more stress on the joints
What Helps
Footwear & Support
Wear supportive shoes with firm soles and cushioning
Possible OTC orthotics
Maintaining proper shoe wear at all times
Exercise & Stretching
Gentle range of motion exercises for the ankle and toes help maintain flexibility
Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical may reduce stress compared to running
Other Measures
- Ice or heat may reduce discomfort
- Anti-inflammatory medications may help
- Weight management can significantly reduce joint stress
Summary
Arthritis is a condition where the cartilage (cushion) between the bones wear out for a multitude of reasons.
It is important to distinguish which joint(s) is/are affected and why.
Treatment will often begin with injections into the affected area(s), followed by antiinflammatory medications, and adjustments of shoe gear and activity levels.
Advanced imaging may assist in revealing the extent of arthritis.
Surgery as a last resort will often involve arthrodesis (fusion), arthroplasty (joint replacement), or distraction (creating space between joints temporarily).
