Foot/Ankle Arthritis

Foot/Ankle Arthritis is an incredibly common condition and can develop in various areas of the body, including your feet and ankles. Arthritis in the foot or ankle can make it difficult to enjoy your life or accomplish daily activities.  Fortunately, treatment for arthritis in the feet or ankles is available at Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Why do you get arthritis in your feet?

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the feet. They include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Juvenile Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the number one cause is wear and tear brought about by aging and use.  Osteoarthritis in the foot leads to a breakdown of cartilage. 

Cartilage is what acts as cushions at the ends of bones where they meet and form joints. When the cartilage wears away, the bones in the feet rub together leading to stiffness, pain, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is frequently found in the big toe.

Gout

Gout is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the feet.  Gout is caused by an inability to remove excess uric acid. This leads to the development of sharp crystals in the joints of the body.  The first sign that you may have gout includes sharp pain and swelling in your big toe.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is not common.  As its name implies, it affects children under the age of 16.  Juvenile arthritis in the feet or ankle leads to pain and swelling. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder, and it can be an exceedingly difficult condition to manage. It is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can lead to severe pain and crippling of the joints in the feet.  

Treatment for Arthritis in the Feet in Ohio

A custom treatment for arthritis in the feet will be designed by the expert podiatrists at Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists. Taking into consideration the type of arthritis you have, the severity of the arthritis, and your overall health and wellness, our podiatrists will design a treatment plan which will include some of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics
• Joint injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery if necessary

If you’re dealing with pain from arthritis in the feet or ankles, Ohio Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our top Ohio podiatrists are experienced experts specializing in treating all foot, ankle, and conditions.