Foot Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis but osteoarthritis is the most common form. Osteo means bone and osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear as we age which causes inflammation and swelling. Foot arthritis is one of the most common joints to be affected.


There are 30 joints in your foot and 28 bones. The ligaments hold all the bones and joints in their proper place. When arthritis develops in a joint your balance can be affected which can affect your walking. The foot joints most commonly affected are:1. The ankle where the shin bone rests on the upper bone of the foot2. The 3 joints of the hind foot where the bottom of the talus connects to the heel.3. The midfoot where the fore foot bone connects to the smaller mid foot bone.4. The great toe where the metatarsal connects to the toe bone. This is also where you will find your bunions develop.


There are a variety of the symptoms that you can have with foot arthritis. Common symptoms include tenderness, pain, reduced motion, stiffness, and swelling. It may mean that walking is difficult.


The best way to diagnose arthritis is to see your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical exam and collect your medical history. He will ask you questions like when did the pain begin? Is it worse at night? Can you run? Does the pain stay or come and go? Have you injured the food previously? How? Does the pain appear in both feet? What types of shoes do you wear? What medication are you on?


Your doctor may also decide to x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. You might also have to do a gait analysis. This will show how your leg bones and foot bones line up when you walk. It also tests the strength of the ankle. Once the doctor has the answer to all these questions


Once your doctor has all the information he or she will be in a much better position to decide what the correct treatment course is. There are many non surgical treatments that are commonly used.


NSAIDs are the first line of defense reducing both inflammation and pain. Arch supports or other shoe supports can help and wearing a custom shoe may also be a good idea. Braces and canes can also be used. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy.


If your arthritis doesn't improve your doctor may give you a steroid shot into the joint. If that doesn't work surgical treatments may have to be considered.


If you require surgery it can be painful so expect to be taking pain medications. You may be on a walking cast, crutches, walker, or even a wheelchair after surgery. You will have to keep your foot elevated for the first 7 days. And you won't be able to put weight on the foot for 6 weeks.


Foot arthritis requires you seek medical intervention early to minimize the amount of damage to your foot.

Author : Cory Ponciaono
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