What is Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle?
Osteoarthritis, specifically of the foot and ankle, is a disease that affects the cartilage and bones located in the foot and ankle joints.
Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle:
A few factors that may increase your risk for Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle are:
- Age
- Previous joint injuries
- Obesity
- Genetics
The degenerative nature of this disease can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion in the affected joints
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle:
In diagnosing osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle, your doctor will likely investigate your medical history further. Prior foot and ankle sprains, or surgeries in that general area, can lead to arthritis in the foot and ankle. It could also be possible that if you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis in another part of your body, it could develop in your feet and ankles, too.
From there, your doctor will likely examine your foot and ankle to check for signs of arthritis in the joints, which include swelling and tenderness, a crackling or popping sound during movement. Bunions and hammertoe are also physical changes that can occur with osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle.
Your doctor may also ask you to stand and walk to further evaluate your gait and the alignment of your foot as it relates to the rest of your body. Further diagnostic imaging may be ordered, too, to further paint a picture of the visible changes occurring in the affected region as a result of the osteoarthritis, with an x-ray being the likely first route in terms of advanced imaging.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle:
Fortunately, there are several options for treatment that your healthcare provider may explore if they suspect you to be suffering from Osteoarthritis of the Foot and Ankle. Your doctor may first recommend pain management using over-the-counter pain medications, and likely also physical therapy to improve the strength, stability, and overall joint function of the affected area. Orthotics or supportive devices may also be used to further reduce pressure on the affected joints. In more serious cases, corticosteroid injections are used to further combat inflammation and pain. If you are someone who suffers from obesity or being overweight, your team of healthcare providers may also recommend lifestyle changes to manage weight and reduce stress on the joints. In the most severe instances, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged joints.