Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can develop in your feet when cartilage that covers ends of your bones begins to wear away. The result is swelling and pain and it can develop in any of the more than 30 joints located in your foot. Arthritis is most typically seen in middle age patients, but can occur in younger patients following trauma or injury.

Symptoms: Arthritis is most common in the big toe, ankle, hind foot, and mid-foot. Symptoms can increase in intensity as arthritis progresses, and include stiffness, reduced motion, swelling, pain, tenderness, and difficulty walking.

Non-Surgical Treatments: There are no direct cures for arthritis, but there are ways of managing symptoms. Physical therapy, pain medications, braces, and canes can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support the joints.

Surgery: Surgery is utilized in more severe cases of foot arthritis. Trimming damage bone can help to reduce pain and fusing joints together can help to prevent bones from rubbing together.