Do You Have Foot or Ankle Arthritis?

Arthritis is caused by the inflammation of a joint, leading to pain, discomfort, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your foot or ankle, it may be time for an evaluation from one of our expert Rochester Regional Health Foot and Ankle Center providers. We can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and put together a comprehensive treatment plan.

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What is Foot and Ankle Arthritis?   

Foot and ankle arthritis commonly refers to damage or a breaking down of the cartilage inside the more than 30 joints that connect the bone of the foot and ankle.

Foot and ankle arthritis typically results from gradual wear and tear of this cartilage, first getting soft, then deteriorating, and finally, starting to wear away, exposing the surface of the bone. This is called osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and post-traumatic arthritis, which is arthritis developing after a foot or ankle injury are also common.

The four areas most affected by arthritis in the foot and ankle are:

• The big toe
• The midfoot
• The hindfoot
• The ankle

Arthritis in any of these areas can cause pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking, jumping, and standing.

Foot and Ankle Arthritis Treatment

After an evaluation, our Shoulder Care Program team will provide you with the best possible treatment plan, typically starting with non-surgical options including:

• Physical therapy to build strength and restore range of motion
• Lifestyle changes – avoiding activities that make the shoulder painful
• Pain control through ice and heat and over-the-counter medication
• Orthotic inserts and braces
• Corticosteroid injections

When non-surgical treatments are not successful, we may recommend surgery to treat your shoulder arthritis using:

• Arthroscopic debridement - During this procedure, your orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon cleans out any pieces of cartilage, ligament, or bone that limit joint movement.
• Fusion – Your surgeon will bind together the bones of the arthritic joint using metal screws and plates. The bones then will grow together, resulting in one fused bone.
• Ankle replacement