Arthritis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the joints that mainly affects older adults. Foot and ankle arthritis is even more critical because damage to the foot can affect mobility and disrupt daily life.
In this article, we will discover the causes and symptoms of foot and ankle arthritis and discuss appropriate treatment options.
What is Foot & Ankle Arthritis?
Arthritis is the name of a collection of conditions involving joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. It limits the movement of the ankle and foot joints, disrupting daily life and making it difficult to do things as simple as walking. Arthritis usually occurs due to wear and tear with age, an accident or injury, autoimmune diseases, or congenital conditions.
The joints in the feet and ankles bear the weight of the entire body. They support frequent activities like walking, standing, and running, which makes them prone to injuries, trauma, and conditions like arthritis.
Causes of Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Depending on the type of foot and ankle arthritis you have, the causes can vary significantly. The most common causes of foot and ankle arthritis include:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common and natural form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in the feet degenerates due to wear and tear over the years, causing inflammation in the joint. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older adults, especially after the age of 50.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that can occur around the body, including the feet and ankles. It causes inflammation and persisting pain in the joints. Some risk factors of RA are smoking and obesity.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis
It is triggered by an injury or trauma to the foot, like a sprain or fracture. It causes immediate inflammation of the joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement.
4. Gout
It is a special kind of arthritis caused by increased levels of uric acid. The uric acid crystals cause the joints to swell and cause inflammation. It usually affects the big toe and the ankle joint. The symptoms come and go in episodes called flares or gout attacks.
Other Contributing Factors
Some other causes that contribute to foot and ankle arthritis include:
Genetics: Having a history of arthritis in the family puts you at risk, too.
Foot Structure: Feet with unusual structures, like flat feet or high arches, are prone to abnormal pressure on the joints, which can eventually cause arthritis.
Obesity: A BMI over 30 puts more pressure on the feet joints, eventually causing inflammation and arthritis.
Inactivity & Poor Circulation: If you lead an idle lifestyle, lack of exercise and poor circulation can lead to joint degeneration.
Symptoms of Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Arthritis usually develops slowly over time. You will probably notice discomfort and pain in your feet or ankle for some time before other symptoms start to show. Over time, the symptoms get worse, limiting your mobility and decreasing quality of life. The common symptoms of arthritis are:
Pain: You might feel pain of varying degrees. Usually, the pain gets worse at the end of the day.
Swelling: The inflammation causes the feet to swell, making normal activities like wearing shoes and walking very difficult.
Stiffness: The foot will be hard to move or bend as flexibility will be compromised due to swelling or pain.
Tenderness: The affected joints become sensitive to touch, especially in the mornings or after long durations of rest.
Other signs: Other symptoms of arthritis include limited movement, low or no flexibility, and visible deformity in extreme cases.
Diagnosis of Foot & Ankle Arthritis
If you suspect the signs and symptoms of foot arthritis, it is best to visit a foot and ankle specialist near you. Professionals can diagnose the type of arthritis and decide the right treatment methods for you. Here’s how the diagnosis process usually goes:
1. Physical Examination
The doctor assesses the joint’s movement through physical examination and checks for other symptoms, such as swelling, deformity, and tenderness.
2. Imaging Tests
These tests determine the location and extent of the condition.
X-ray: Shows the joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other signs of arthritis.
MRI: Provides a more detailed report of soft tissue and cartilage damage.
Ultrasound: detects fluid and inflammation in the joints, helping with the accuracy of injections and surgeries.
3. Blood Tests
Blood tests reveal the level of uric acid and other compounds to establish gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Medical professionals can differentiate between the different types of arthritis and suggest the right treatment methods for your particular condition.
Treatment Options for Foot & Ankle Arthritis
Different treatments for foot and ankle arthritis are available based on the severity of symptoms. After the diagnosis, your doctor will decide on the correct treatment plan from the following options.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments:
Medications
These medications have proven to work on mild arthritis symptoms.
- NSAIDs: These are over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections provide temporary relief from inflammation.
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs might be prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis along with uric acid-lowering medications for gout.
Physical Therapy
Regular strengthening and flexibility exercises can improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
Orthotics
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter foot inserts or braces that can also be customized to your needs. They help reduce stress on the affected joints and improve alignment.
Footwear
You can wear supportive, cushioned shoes that are designed to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the joints. You might also have to avoid certain kinds of footwear.
Weight Management
Your weight puts a lot of pressure on your feet and ankles. A healthy weight will reduce stress and protect your foot.
Ice/Heat Therapy
This is a common treatment where cold compresses reduce swelling, while heat helps with muscle relaxation.
2. Surgical Treatments
When the arthritis is too severe and non-surgical treatments do not make any difference, you might need surgical treatments such as:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery in which a camera and small instruments are used to remove damaged tissue or cartilage.
- Fusion Surgery: Fusing bones in the affected joint to eliminate pain and improve stability.
- Ankle Replacement Surgery: In advanced cases, the ankle joint is surgically replaced with an artificial one. It helps restore function and reduce pain.
Get Your Arthritis Diagnosed Today
Foot and ankle arthritis is a common yet severe condition that affects your mobility and daily life. With early diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed, and further damage to the foot can be prevented. You can make certain lifestyle changes along with therapy and medical intervention to easily control the symptoms and manage an active lifestyle. If you are feeling pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles, visit a foot doctor immediately.
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