Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Understanding Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and loss of motion within the joints. When arthritis affects the feet and ankles, it can significantly impact mobility, balance, and quality of life. Even simple daily activities such as walking, exercising, or standing for extended periods may become painful.

At Edge Podiatry, our physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of foot and ankle arthritis. Through advanced imaging, conservative therapies, custom orthotics, injections, and surgical reconstruction when necessary, we help patients maintain mobility and reduce pain.

The three most common forms of arthritis affecting the foot and ankle are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and develops when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears away over time. As cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against one another, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and joint damage.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the foot and ankle and is often associated with aging, previous injuries, and years of repetitive stress on the joints.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

• Aging

• Previous foot or ankle injuries

• Fractures involving a joint

• Obesity

• Abnormal foot mechanics

• Flat feet or high arches

• Repetitive stress from sports or occupation

• Family history of arthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain during activity

• Stiffness, especially in the morning

• Swelling around the joint

• Reduced range of motion

• Difficulty walking

• Joint enlargement or bone spurs

• Pain that gradually worsens over time

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may include:

• Physical examination

• Medical history review

• Digital X-rays

• Diagnostic ultrasound

• MRI when necessary

• Laboratory testing to rule out other forms of arthritis

Treatment Options

Treatment is designed to reduce pain, preserve joint function, and slow progression.

Conservative treatments may include:

• Custom orthotics

• Supportive footwear

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Corticosteroid injections

• Bracing

• Physical therapy

• Activity modification

• Weight management

For advanced arthritis, surgical treatment may be recommended, including:

• Joint fusion (arthrodesis)

• Joint replacement procedures

• Bone spur removal

• Reconstructive surgery

Our physicians carefully evaluate each patient to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA causes inflammation that can damage joints, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding structures.

The feet are often among the first areas affected, and many patients develop symptoms before receiving a formal diagnosis.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and swelling in multiple joints

• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes

• Foot deformities

• Difficulty walking

• Fatigue

• Joint instability

• Progressive toe deformities

One classic sign of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot is drifting or deviation of the toes, causing them to shift away from their normal alignment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without proper treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can cause:

• Permanent joint damage

• Progressive deformity

• Tendon rupture

• Difficulty walking

• Loss of independence

Early intervention often helps preserve joint function and improve long-term outcomes.

Treatment Options

Management often requires collaboration with a rheumatologist and may include:

• Disease-modifying medications (DMARDs)

• Biologic medications

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Custom orthotics

• Bracing

• Physical therapy

• Diabetic-style accommodative footwear

• Surgical correction when necessary

Surgical treatment may include:

• Joint fusion

• Tendon repair

• Joint resection procedures

• Reconstruction of severe deformities

The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint destruction.

Psoriatic Arthritis

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, thickened patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but for those who do, joint symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe joint destruction.

The skin and joint symptoms may appear simultaneously or years apart.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Swelling of toes or fingers ("sausage digits")

• Foot pain

• Heel pain

• Tendon inflammation

• Fatigue

• Skin plaques associated with psoriasis

• Nail changes

In advanced cases, characteristic changes may be seen on X-rays, including the classic "pencil-in-cup" deformity caused by joint erosion.

Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preserving joint function.

Management may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Biologic therapies

• Disease-modifying medications

• Custom orthotics

• Physical therapy

• Bracing

• Surgical intervention for advanced deformities

Early diagnosis is critical to help prevent irreversible joint damage.

Comprehensive Arthritis Care

At Edge Podiatry, we understand that arthritis affects every patient differently. Our physicians provide personalized treatment plans utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging, gait analysis, custom orthotics, injection therapy, bracing, and surgical expertise when needed.

Whether you are experiencing early joint pain or advanced arthritis, we are committed to helping you remain active, comfortable, and independent.

Schedule an Appointment

If foot or ankle arthritis is limiting your daily activities, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Contact Edge Podiatry today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn about the treatment options available to help reduce pain and restore mobility.