Relief for Arthritis Pain and Stiffness

What You Need To Know About Arthritis

Learn how arthritis affects your feet and ankles and how we help.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of foot and ankle pain, affecting approximately 53 million Americans. Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation of your joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, many of which affect the feet and ankles.

Each of your feet contains 28 bones and more than 30 joints that allow you to run, jump, pivot, and change directions. Unfortunately, these capabilities also make them susceptible to wear-and-tear damage, swelling, and, in some cases, immobility. The symptoms you experience depend on the type of arthritis you have.

Our providers diagnose and treat three main types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when your cartilage (a soft cushion-like substance that pads and protects your joints) begins to deteriorate and wear away. Ultimately, this causes your bones to rub up against one another, causing inflammation, stiffness, and general discomfort.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack the synovium, a sheath of tissue that covers and supports your joints. Posttraumatic arthritis is the result of an accident or injury to your foot or ankle. If you injure one or more joints, you’re also seven times more likely to develop posttraumatic arthritis. We also treat gout, a type of arthritis defined by excess uric acid that usually affects your feet and toes.

If joint pain or stiffness is keeping you from your favorite activities, make an appointment with our team for an evaluation.

How We Treat Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Our podiatrists regularly work with patients to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis, helping them return to their favorite activities. Treatment for arthritis depends on the type and severity of your symptoms, and we take time to understand how your pain affects your daily life before recommending a plan.

Our providers use conservative, noninvasive measures of care whenever possible, including physical therapy, exercise, and prescription medications. For example, if you have gout, there are medications that can control your uric acid levels and minimize pain. Each of these approaches is designed to reduce inflammation, protect joint function, and support your long-term mobility.

We also offer custom orthotics. Custom orthotics ensure your foot and ankle joints are properly aligned, which can ease pressure on damaged cartilage and help you stay comfortable during everyday activities like walking, standing, and exercising.

If your pain persists or conservative measures of care don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. During orthopedic surgery for foot and ankle arthritis, your doctor replaces your damaged joint with a prosthetic. This option is typically considered after other treatments have been explored.

Foot and ankle arthritis is a common problem that requires treatment. Don’t let pain and inflammation prevent you from living the life of your dreams. Our team is ready to help you find a path forward that fits your lifestyle and goals.