Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It can occur at any age, and literally means “pain within a joint.” As a result, arthritis is a term used broadly to refer to a number of different conditions.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options available. It is important to seek help early so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. With treatment, people with arthritis are able to manage pain, stay active, and live fulfilling lives, often without surgery.

Description

There are three types of arthritis that may affect your foot and ankle.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative or “wear and tear” arthritis, is a common problem for many people after they reach middle age. Over the years, the smooth, gliding surface covering the ends of bones (cartilage) becomes worn and frayed. This results in inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joint.

Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and the pain and stiffness it causes worsens over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis which follows a predictable pattern in certain joints, rheumatoid arthritis is a system-wide disease. It is an inflammatory disease where the patient’s own immune system attacks and destroys cartilage.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the foot or ankle. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may develop years after a fracture, severe sprain, or ligament injury.
 
Osteoarthritis
Many factors increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis. Because the ability of cartilage to heal itself decreases as we age, older people are more likely to develop the disease. Other risk factors include obesity and family history of the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Although it is not an inherited disease, researchers believe that some people have genes that make them more susceptible. There is usually a “trigger,” such as an infection or environmental factor, which activates the genes. When the body is exposed to this trigger, the immune system begins to produce substances that attack the joint. This is what may lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Fractures – particularly those that damage the joint surface – and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to this type of arthritis. An injured joint is about seven times more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury is properly treated. In fact, following injury, your body can secrete hormones that stimulate the death of your cartilage cells.

Anatomy
There are 28 bones and more than 30 joints in the foot. Tough bands of tissue, called ligaments, keep the bones and joints in place. If arthritis develops in one or more of these joints, balance and walking may be Affected.

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The joints most commonly affected by arthritis in the lower extremity include:
The ankle (tibiotalar joint). The ankle is where the shinbone (tibia) rests on the uppermost bone of the foot (the talus).

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The three joints of the hindfoot. These three joints include:
The subtalar or talocalcaneal joint, where the bottom of the talusconnects to the heel bone (calcaneus);
The talonavicular joint, where the talus connects to the inner midfoot bone (navicular); and
The calcaneocuboid joint, where the heel bone connects to the outer midfoot bone (cuboid).

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The midfoot (metatarsocuneiform joint). This is where one of the forefoot bones (metatarsals) connects to the smaller midfoot bones (cuneiforms).

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The great toe (first metatarsophalangeal joint). This is where the first metatarsal connects to the great toe bone (phalange).This is also the area where bunions usually develop.

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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of arthritis of the foot vary, depending on which joint is affected. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Stiffness or reduced motion
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty walking due to any of the above

Diagnosis
Your doctor will base a diagnosis using your medical history, symptoms, a physical examination, and additional tests.

Medical History and Examination
A medical history is important to understand more about the problem. Your doctor will want to know when the pain started and when it occurs. Is it worse at night? Does it get worse when walking or running? Is it continuous, or does it come and go?
He or she will want to know if there was a past injury to the foot or ankle. If so, your doctor will discuss your injury, when it occurred, and how it was treated.

Your doctor will want to know if the pain is in both feet or only in one foot, and where it is located exactly. Footwear will be examined, and any medications will be noted.

Additional Tests
One of the tests performed during the physical examination is the gait analysis. This shows how the bones in the leg and foot line up with walking, measures stride, and tests the strength of the ankles and feet.

X-rays can show changes in the spacing between bones or in the shape of the bones themselves. Weight-bearing X-rays are the most valuable additional test in diagnosing the severity of arthritis.

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A bone scan, computed tomographic (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance image (MRI) may also be used in the evaluation.

MRI
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CT
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Treatment
Depending on the type, location, and severity of the arthritis, there are many types of treatment available.

Nonsurgical Treatment
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
Shoe inserts (orthotics), such as pads or arch supports
Custom-made shoe, such as a stiff-soled shoe with a rocker bottom
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
A brace or a cane
Physical therapy and exercises
Weight control or nutritional supplements
Medications, such as a steroid medication injected into the joint

Surgical Treatment
If arthritis doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment might be considered. The choice of surgery will depend on the type of arthritis, the impact of the disease on the joints, and the location of the arthritis. Sometimes more than one type of surgery will be needed.
Surgery performed for arthritis of the foot and ankle include arthroscopic debridement, arthrodesis (or fusion of the joints), and arthroplasty (replacement of the affected joint).

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