What Causes Arthritis in the Feet and Ankles?
There are three main types of arthritis that can affect the foot and ankle — osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form, caused by wear and tear over time that leads to cartilage breakdown. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. And finally, post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury like a fracture or dislocation, even years later.
These conditions lead to pain, swelling and stiffness as the cartilage protecting your bones wears away and the joint becomes inflamed.
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Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Symptoms vary depending on which joint is affected, but most people experience some combination of the following:
- Pain with movement or activity
- Swelling, warmth or redness
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
- Difficulty walking or doing normal activities
Symptoms often come and go but tend to worsen over time if untreated.
How Is Arthritis in the Feet and Ankles Treated?
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to lessen pain and discomfort while maximizing quality of life with nonsurgical treatments like:
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing high-impact activities and maintaining a healthy weight
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises to reduce stress on joints
- Assistive devices like braces or orthotics
- Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections to manage inflammation
If pain continues to limit daily life, your care team may discuss surgical options, such as:
- Arthroscopic ankle debridement to remove loose cartilage or bone spurs
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis) to eliminate painful movement
- Total ankle replacement with an artificial implant to restore mobility
Treat Foot and Ankle Arthritis at OrthoNebraska
Looking for arthritis relief with your feet and ankles in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
