Arthritis

Definition

Arthritis: Painful joint inflammation and stiffness.

General Info

Arthritis, which literally means “joint pain,” is one of the leading causes of disability among Americans. Arthritis, including arthritis in the foot, toe, and ankle joints, can occur at any age, though certain types of arthritis may be more common in older or younger individuals. There is no cure for this health problem, though there are many treatment options available. Treating arthritis in its early stages may allow a person with this condition to more easily manage symptoms, maintain a high quality of life, and avoid surgery and certain health complications later on.

Three main types of arthritis may cause pain and other symptoms in the foot, toes, or ankle, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis affecting the foot. Osteoarthritis involves a wearing away (over years) of smooth joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis is a progressive health problem that may cause bone spurring in some parts of the body.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the foot. Other types of inflammatory arthritis that may affect the foot include gout, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis. In most cases, rheumatoid arthritis-related symptoms first arise in the toes and forefoot, then at the back of the foot, and eventually in the ankle.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Post-traumatic arthritis may occur after a foot or ankle injury, and it can develop even years after a person experiences a fracture or severe ligament sprain. Post-traumatic arthritis involves cartilage damage, just like osteoarthritis. A physician may order X-ray imaging to assess the problem and to rule in or rule out a diagnosis of post-traumatic arthritis.

Signs & Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of foot, toe, and ankle arthritis include:

• Bone spurs
• Joint swelling
• Pain in the involved joint
• Decreased joint flexibility
• Joint deformity and instability
• Joint tenderness and stiffness
• A grating sensation in the affected joint

Possible Causes

Foot, toe, and ankle arthritis may be caused by numerous factors, and the underlying cause of the arthritis depends on the specific type of arthritis a person has.

Factors that contribute to osteoarthritis include:

• Advanced age
• Bone deformity
• Muscle imbalances
• Obesity and sedentary living
• A family history of this condition

Other health problems—diabetes, Paget’s disease, underactive thyroid—may also increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition whose true cause is unknown. Like other autoimmune conditions, rheumatoid arthritis is a health problem in which a person’s own immune system targets and attacks his or her healthy joint tissues.

Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by direct trauma or injury to the foot, toe, or ankle.

Helpful Strategies

Foot, toe, and ankle arthritis cannot be cured, though many treatment methods, including conservative measures, may be beneficial in controlling the symptoms. Possible treatment techniques or tools include:

• Braces
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy (hot/cold therapy, etc.)
• Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, sleep, weight loss)
• Pain creams (such as Dr. Swaim’s Pain Relief Max)
• Nutritional supplementation (e.g., natural anti-inflammatories)
• Footwear modifications (wearing shoes that are wider in the toe box and less restrictive)
• Correct Toes (to optimize the body's support platform and promote lower body musculoskeletal health)

We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider about all relevant treatment methods to help control foot, toe, and ankle arthritis-related symptoms.