Arthritic Foot and Ankle Care

Arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering from some type of arthritis.

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Introduction

If you’re suffering from arthritis, or joint pain or joint disease, you’re not alone. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America, whittling down millions of people’s cartilage between their joints. Without the cartilage cushioning the bones, the bones rub against each other and cause pain and swelling. There are many factors that can cause arthritis in the feet or ankles including obesity, aging, and/or genetics.

If you have arthritis anywhere in your foot or ankle, it’s imperative to partner with a podiatrist to help ease your pain. Podiatrists often see arthritis in the small joints of the foot and ankle, especially in the big toe or midfoot. As arthritis can get worse over time and cause bone spurs, we are here to help develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs as soon as possible.

If you’re experiencing any joint pain in your ankle, foot, or toes, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists. We can help!

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to perform normal day-to-day activities, and has the potential to cause permanent joint damage. People also experience tenderness or pain when moving or if the affected joint is touched. Stiffness in the joint is also common.

Diagnosing Arthritis

To determine whether or not you may be suffering from arthritis or to determine the severity, one of our medical professionals will conduct an exam, perform blood tests, and conduct an imaging scan (X-ray, CAT scan, or MRI).

There are multiple types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, post-traumatic arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. One of our board-certified podiatrists can help diagnose your specific type of arthritis. Understanding the type is crucial to improving your comfort and lessening the pain.

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Arthritis treatment options vary greatly depending on the severity of your arthritis.

Mild Arthritis

If your arthritis is mild, anti-inflammatory medications may be sufficient to help treat the pain. Other options to relieve discomfort can include custom orthotics, braces, or physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections every three to six months can also help with the pain. If needed, your doctor may also recommend that you lose weight, if needed, and choose low-impact exercises.

Severe Arthritis

If your case of arthritis is severe, surgery may be necessary to improve your quality of life. Your board-certified podiatrist may recommend cartilage-sparing ankle arthroscopy to remove debris from the joint, arthrodesis to fuse two or more joints together, or total ankle replacement for the most severe cases. After any surgery, you will have limited movement for several weeks and may need crutches or a cane.

Conclusion

No matter if your case is mild or severe, it’s important to examine your feet daily, keep your feet clean and dry, moisturize your feet to avoid cracking, trim your nails straight across, wear quality footwear, and change your socks daily.

For more information on arthritic foot and ankle care or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our office! We are here to help improve your quality of life.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Gary B. Briskin, DPM, FACFAS

ABFAS^® Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery and Co-Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist, Dr. Gary Briskin, DPM, FACFAS, began his medical training by serving a residency at Flint General Hospital in Michigan. Once completed, he established a practice in Century City Hospital, where he soon became chief of podiatric surgery.

Dr. Briskin is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and is co-founder and co-director of University Foot and Ankle Institute.

Written by Dr. Bob Baravarian, DPM, FACFAS

ABFAS^® Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. and Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Dr. Bob Baravarian DPM, FACFAS is a Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and serves as Director of University Foot and Ankle Institute.

Dr. Baravarian has been involved in athletics his entire life and played competitive tennis in high school and college. He has an interest in sports medicine, arthritis therapy, and trauma/reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He is also fluent in five languages (English, French, Spanish, Farsi, and Hebrew),

The UFAI Education Team

The UFAI Education Team is comprised of leading foot and ankle specialists at University Foot & Ankle Institute, dedicated to advancing patient care through education, research, and innovation. With decades of combined experience, our board-certified podiatrists provide expert insights into the latest treatments and surgical advancements. Committed to empowering patients with reliable information, our team ensures that every article reflects the highest standards of medical excellence.