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Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Get back on your feet again
Arthritis is inflammation resulting from the degeneration of cartilage in the joint causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints resulting in restricted movements. The foot joints most commonly affected by arthritis are:
- The joint between the shin bone (tibia) and ankle bone (talus)
- The three joints of the foot that include the heel bone, the inner mid-foot bone, and the outer mid-foot bone
- The joint of the great toe and foot bone
NSOC foot and ankle specialists are committed to providing a full range of treatment options for people with foot and ankle arthritis.
Types of arthritis affecting the foot and ankle
Osteoarthritis: Also, called degenerative joint disease, this is the most common type of Arthritis, which occurs most often in older people. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage starts to wear away over time. In extreme cases, the cartilage can completely wear away, leaving nothing to protect the bones in a joint, causing bone-on-bone contact. Bones may also bulge, or stick out at the end of a joint, called a bone spur.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system (the body’s way of fighting infection) attacks healthy joints, tissues and organs. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in joints. Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in feet and ankle and tends to be symmetrical.
Post-traumatic arthritis develops in the foot or ankle as a result of injury, even one that occurred long ago. For example, a sprain, fracture, or dislocation in the foot or ankle may damage cartilage, leading to premature deterioration of the joint.
What are the symptoms of the foot and ankle arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on which joint is affected. In many cases, an arthritic joint will be painful and inflamed. Generally, the pain develops gradually over time, although sudden onset is also possible. There can be other symptoms, as well, including:
- Tenderness or pain.
- Reduced ability to move or walk.
- Stiffness in the joint.
- Swelling in the joint.
Location of foot and ankle arthritis
Four areas of the foot are most frequently affected by arthritis: the big toe, the midfoot, the hindfoot, and the ankle.
Arthritis in the Big Toe
Arthritis in the big toe—also called hallux rigidus—is common. It typically affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which is located at the base of the big toe and connects the toe to the rest of the foot. Every time you take a step, this joint bears your body weight; arthritis in this joint can increasingly limit your ability to walk without pain.
Arthritis in the Mid foot
Arthritis that develops in the mid foot can affect one or more of these joints, causing pain when walking or climbing stairs.
Arthritis in the Hind foot
Arthritis in the hind foot affects the three joints below the ankle and above the heel: the subtalar joint, the talonavicular joint, and the calcaneocuboid joint. Arthritis in these joints can cause pain and swelling in the feet and ankles.
Arthritis in the Ankle
The ankle joint connects the foot to the leg and allows the foot to flex and point. Arthritis in the ankle can limit range of motion and affect standing, walking, and jumping.
Diagnosis of foot and ankle arthritis
The diagnosis of foot and ankle arthritis is made with a medical history, physical examination. X-rays of the affected joint, a bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood tests are also performed to diagnose arthritis.
Foot and ankle specialists in Kenya at NSOC specialize in helping people with foot and ankle arthritis manage symptoms and remain active. Our orthopedic and rheumatology experts work together to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis, as well as customized care that meets your needs.
Compassionate foot and ankle care
How is foot and ankle arthritis treated without surgery?
Foot and ankle arthritis can be treated in many ways.
In the early stages of foot and ankle arthritis, doctors recommend a variety of treatments for managing symptoms, including medication, braces and orthotics, physical therapy, and therapeutic injections.
If symptoms persist, our doctors may recommend surgery.
Surgical Treatment
More than one kind of surgery may be required to treat foot and ankle arthritis. Your doctor can select the kind of surgery that is best for you, depending on the type and extent of the arthritis you have.
The following are some of the surgical options for foot and ankle arthritis:
- Arthroscopic surgery: This kind of surgery can help in early stages of arthritis. In arthroscopic surgery, an arthroscope (a small instrument about the size of a pencil) is inserted into a joint. The instrument projects an image onto a monitor that is viewed by a surgeon. Arthroscopic surgery can help to remove any foreign tissues or bony outgrowths (spurs) that are present in the joint.
- Fusion surgery: This kind of surgery, also called arthrodesis, involves fusing bones together with the use of rods, pins, screws, or plates. After healing, the bones remain fused together.
- Joint replacement surgery: This kind of surgery involves replacing the ankle joint with artificial implants and is used only in rare cases.
