Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more of your joints and is typically caused by the degradation of articular cartilage. It causes pain and stiffness and can occur in any joint in the body. It is very common in small joints such as the foot and ankle. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many treatments available to manage pain and remain active.

Just like every joint in the body, foot and ankle joints are covered in cartilage that provide cushioning to the joints. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage starts wearing off and causes rubbing of the bones. This causes pain, swelling and joint stiffness.

Symptoms:

• Pain with movement and activity
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Increased pain in the morning or after prolonged sitting
• Difficulty in walking

Treatment:

• Activity modification by minimizing activities that aggravate the condition
• Avoiding high impact activities
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatories

If conservative management fails, there are surgical interventions that a foot and ankle surgeon can do to help alleviate symptoms and help you return to your lifestyle. These procedures include arthroscopic debridement, joint fusion surgeries, or total ankle replacement surgery.

Foot and Ankle Conditions

• Achilles Tendinitis
• Ankle Fracture
• Ankle Sprain
• Bunion
• Bursitis of the Heel
• Clubfoot
• Flat Feet
• Foot and Ankle Arthritis
• Hammer Toe
• High Arch
• Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Ruptured Achilles Tendon