Why Do My Joints Ache? A Guide to Foot & Ankle Arthritis

When you hear the word “arthritis,” you might picture stiff hands or sore knees. But what about your feet and ankles? With each foot containing 33 joints, they are very common sites for arthritis to develop, leading to pain and stiffness that can significantly impact your mobility. At The Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio, we believe that understanding the source of your joint pain is the first step toward effective management and relief. That’s what the following blog is all about!

What is Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle?

Simply put, arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints.

• In the foot and ankle, this usually involves the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth, protective tissue that cushions the ends of your bones.
• When this cartilage wears down, bones can begin to rub against each other, causing the pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with the condition.

What Are the Most Common Types of Foot & Ankle Arthritis?

While there are over 100 types of arthritis, three are most common in the feet and ankles:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): The “Wear and Tear” Arthritis

This is the most common form, developing over time as the joint cartilage naturally wears down from use, age, and friction.It frequently affects the main joint of the big toe, the midfoot, and the ankle joint itself.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): The Autoimmune Condition

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder where the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This can lead to painful swelling and can affect multiple joints in both feet simultaneously.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: The Injury-Related Type

This form of arthritis develops after a specific injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain.The injury can damage the cartilage or alter the joint’s mechanics, causing it to wear out more quickly, sometimes years after the initial event.

What Are the Symptoms of Foot & Ankle Arthritis?

How do you know if your joint pain could be arthritis? Look for these common signs:

• Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort that worsens with motion or activity.
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion or a feeling of stiffness in the joint, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while.
• Swelling: The joint may appear swollen, feel warm to the touch, or look red.
• Difficulty Walking: Pain that makes it hard to walk comfortably, particularly on uneven ground or stairs.
• Changes in Appearance: You might notice the joint looks larger or has developed a bump.

While the above can help you take early action, ultimately, proper diagnosis from a podiatrist is needed. With X-rays and expertise, we can help you manage your condition!

For trusted podiatric experts, choose Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio! With advanced techniques, proven skills, and a stress-free environment, our team can resolve your foot and ankle problems and help you return to living your best life. Step past pain and schedule your appointment today.